Forgotten Work Habits Of The Past
Work habits have come a long way, evolving alongside technology, culture, and changing industries. Let’s take a trip down memory lane to explore the old work habits we’ve left behind and what they reveal about how far we’ve come.
Strict Dress Codes
There was a time when office wear meant stiff suits, polished shoes, and perfectly pressed shirts. But things have changed, with many workplaces introducing “casual Friday” and even embracing hoodies and sweatpants for remote work. Office dress codes have loosened, making comfort just as important as style.
The Use Of Filing Systems
There was a time when filing cabinets were a must-have in every office, storing everything from contracts to memos. It worked, until something was misfiled, turning neatness into chaos. Now, with cloud storage and digital documents, finding what you need is as easy as a few clicks, anytime and anywhere.
A Lack Of Diversity
Workplaces have come a long way from being dominated by one group to embracing diversity. Today, offices thrive with a mix of races, genders, and backgrounds, fostering fresh ideas and perspectives. Plus, anti-discrimination laws ensure fairness and inclusion for everyone.
Office Hierarchy
Workplaces in the 1960s were all about strict hierarchies, with managers in private offices and employees lined up in open spaces. Communication was formal, using titles and surnames. The introduction of cubicles in the early 60s, however, shook things up, offering employees a more personalized workspace for the first time.
Open Office Space
In the 1960s, cubicles revolutionized office spaces, aiming for openness and collaboration. Over time, cubicles became symbols of monotony, yet today, many workers would prefer them over the chaos of open-plan offices. Studies show that open workplaces, despite their popularity, can harm productivity and employee morale.
Mandatory Retirement
Age discrimination is fading as more baby boomers work beyond 65, bringing priceless experience to the workplace. Nearly half of boomers plan to work past 70 or skip retirement altogether.
Little To No Opportunities For Career Advancement
In the past, career paths were straightforward, with promotions based on seniority and few growth opportunities. Today, employees have access to mentorship, online learning, and career development programs, making career advancement more dynamic and rewarding. Companies now value skills and motivation, offering more ways for workers to grow and succeed.
Working Longer Hours
In recent times, Americans have worked some of the longest hours in the world, with 77% clocking over 40 hours a week and the average full-time workweek stretching to 47 hours. That’s 260 more hours a year than British workers and a jaw-dropping 499 hours more than the French. However, it wasn’t always like this.
Memos Were Handwritten
Decades ago, handwritten memos were the go-to way to communicate in offices. They were formal, official, and impossible to miss. Now, emails, Slack, and Teams make it easy to connect instantly. Communication has never been faster or more convenient.
Manually Entering Data
In the past, entering data into forms or spreadsheets took hours and was often full of mistakes. Now, automation and AI tools handle these repetitive tasks quickly and accurately. Many companies even prefer hiring employees who can work with these powerful tools.
Lack Of Mental Health Support
In recent times, mental health awareness has soared, breaking the stigma around issues like burnout and anxiety. Workplaces are catching on, offering mental health days to boost employee well-being and productivity.
The Use Of Answering Machines
The classic answering machines. That robotic voice asking for a message and the excitement of checking those blinking red lights when you got home. Now, voicemail feels outdated—why wait when you can just text or email instantly?
Long Lunch Breaks
Remember when lunch breaks lasted a full hour, and you’d step out with coworkers to relax? These days, lunch is often a quick bite at your desk while you keep working. The classic “lunch hour” feels more like a rare luxury now.
Typing Pools
In the 1960s and 70s, offices had "typing pools" where workers typed up all the important documents and letters. They were the behind-the-scenes heroes who kept things running smoothly. Now, typing is something we all do ourselves, with spell check and endless font choices to make it easier.
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Limited Workplace Technology
There was a time when office life revolved around typewriters and handwritten memos, making tasks more time-consuming. Today, technology like email, personal computers, and the internet has revolutionized communication and boosted productivity.
The Use Of Desk Phones
Remember when every desk had a phone with a long cord, and the loud ring would echo across the office? Those days are fading fast as cell phones, Zoom calls, and chat apps take over. Many companies have even replaced desk phones with digital tools entirely.
The Use Of Fax Machines
Before email and cloud storage, fax machines were the go-to for sending documents quickly. You’d dial a number, hear some beeps, and like clunky magic, your document would go through. Now, PDFs and digital tools have made the process faster, quieter, and way more secure.
Punching The Time Clock
Remember when clocking in meant sliding your card into a machine to get your exact time stamped? It was a daily ritual for every employee back then. Now, digital time tracking or simply trusting people to show up on time has made those clunky time clocks a thing of the past.
No Paid Leave
Paid leave isn’t just good for workers, it’s great for employers too! Employees who can take sick or vacation days without losing pay come back more productive. Plus, it keeps sick coworkers from spreading germs and taking down the whole office.
Smoking In The Office
Can you believe there was a time when people smoked right at their desks in the office? Smoking indoors used to be normal, but thankfully, health awareness has made smoke-free offices the standard. The thought of lighting up in a shared workspace now feels unreal.
Drinking On The Job
Back in the 1960s, office life often included stocked bar carts. Executives would sip cocktails at lunch, return to work for a bit, then head back to the bar after hours. It was a boozy, leisurely era of work culture. A culture we no longer have.
The Use Of Bulletin Boards
Remember when office updates meant gathering around a physical bulletin board to read pinned memos and announcements? Now, everything’s shared digitally through screens or apps, making updates instant and easy. Still, there’s a bit of nostalgia in those old-school pin-ups where everyone caught up on the news.
No Employee Benefits
Today, many employees prioritize better benefits over higher pay, valuing things like health insurance, retirement plans, and vacation days. It’s hard to imagine a time when these weren’t standard perks. Now, they’re not just common, they’re often legally required.
Carrying Business Cards
Remember when swapping business cards was a must at every meeting or event? Now, platforms like LinkedIn make it as simple as a quick connection, no paper needed! Business cards still exist, but networking has gone digital-first.
No Employee Training And Development
In the past, companies believed that employees should learn and train on their own time. Companies now know that offering training and career development is a smart way to attract and keep great employees. Investing in learning isn’t just good for workers, it’s crucial for long-term business success.
Processing Payroll Manually
In the past, payroll meant stacks of paperwork and manual math. Now, payroll software handles it all in a click, with many companies using direct deposit for super-fast payments. It’s a total game-changer, making payday smooth and stress-free for everyone.
Gender Discrimination Was Normal
In the 1970s, gender discrimination was rampant, with women often stuck in lower-paying “pink-collar” jobs like secretarial work. Promotions and top roles were usually reserved for men, making career growth a tough climb for women.
Not Taking Enough Vacation Days
Business trips are still common, but real vacations are becoming rare. Many workers don’t use all their paid leave, and even when they do, they can’t resist checking emails or taking calls. Work seems to follow everywhere.
No Concern For Workplace Safety
Workplace safety in the 1970s was a far cry from today’s standards. Many employees faced dangerous hazards like asbestos and lead, with little protection or oversight. Accidents were more frequent, and workers’ compensation laws offered no support.
Casual Racism
In the 1970s, workplaces often tolerated casual racism and discriminatory remarks, making it tough for marginalized employees. Thankfully, things have changed. Such behavior is now unacceptable and often illegal. Today, companies embrace diversity and inclusion, knowing it drives better ideas and innovation.
Unregulated Work Hours
Work-life balance wasn’t a priority in the past. Long hours, unpaid overtime, and limited leave were the norm. Today, workplaces focus more on flexibility, offering remote work, better leave policies, and support for personal lives. It’s proof that happy, healthy employees make for a stronger workforce.
Limited Access To Resources
Before the internet, workplace research meant library visits or digging through company files, with limited access to information. Today, the internet has transformed everything, putting endless resources and knowledge at everyone’s fingertips. It’s a game-changer that empowers employees to learn, grow, and contribute like never before.
Not A Lot Of Opportunities For Feedback
In the 1970s, employees had little say in their work, as top-down management left no room for feedback or ideas. Today, workplaces thrive on open communication, using tools like surveys and performance reviews to listen to employees. This shift has created a culture of collaboration and ownership that drives improvement.
No Remote Work Options
In the 70s, remote work was unheard of, and employees were expected to stick to a strict 9-to-5 schedule in the office. In recent years, remote work is transforming how we work, thanks to technology and a focus on work-life balance. The pandemic proved remote work’s potential, giving employees more freedom and control over their schedules.
Not A Lot Of Teamwork And Collaboration
Workplaces used to focus on individualism, where employees competed for recognition rather than working together. Now, teamwork and collaboration are key, with modern companies encouraging employees to share ideas and solve problems collectively.
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Limited Transparency And Open Communication
In the past, managers often kept communication tightly controlled, leaving employees unaware of key company decisions. Today, workplaces emphasize transparency, using meetings, newsletters, and forums to keep everyone informed. This open approach builds trust and helps employees feel more connected to the company’s mission.
Lack Of Accessibility For Disabled Employees
In the past, workplaces often overlooked accessibility for people with disabilities. Now, accessibility is not just a legal requirement but also a smart business strategy. Inclusive workplaces benefit from diverse talents and ideas while tapping into one of the largest market segments in the US.
Tolerance Of Harassment
Thanks to feminism, workplace sexual harassment is no longer tolerated. In the past, women often endured inappropriate behavior, but today, such actions are condemned and can lead to serious legal consequences. This shift has created safer, more respectful workplaces for everyone.
Mandatory Work Outings
Gone are mandatory company picnics or forced “fun” activities. Today’s workplaces focus on creating a culture where employees can enjoy themselves in ways that work for them.
Surprisingly, some people miss being forced to go out and have fun with their coworkers—but most studies still show that such things are always better when people are given the choice on whether to join in or not.