Some Curious Facts About Work

One of the most curious facts about work is that many people do not know whether to see it as a privilege or a curse, because work involves both effort and sacrifice. In addition, it can sometimes lead to difficulties and limitations.

There have always been workers. In fact, much of our physical, mental and social development depends on productive activities. But now we have reached a point where many human tasks can be performed by machines. This really gets clearer with each passing day.

The work does not disappear. But it is possible that it can start to become more specialized and creative. In fact, we already live in a society where those with the most knowledge are most appreciated. Without a doubt, this will become increasingly relevant. Let’s take a closer look at some interesting facts about work.

Schedule

Since capitalism saw the light of day, working time has been a much debated topic. In fact, May 1, International Labor Day’s International Day, commemorates the tragic events of May 1, 1886 in Chicago. On this day, several workers lost their lives when they went on strike demanding an eight-hour working day.

A century ago, working hours were not regulated. It was common to work 12 hours a day from Monday to Sunday. Some people worked even more hours. All this was legal. In fact, regulated working hours, which now apply in most parts of the world, are the result of a long and strenuous struggle on the part of workers.

At present, there is no complete agreement on the optimal number of hours to be devoted to work. But rest is now considered as important as work. This is because a tired worker is much less productive.

Salary, another battle that took time to win

The word salary comes from the Latin salary. It means “to pay with salt”. In ancient Rome, it was common for soldiers to be paid in salt. This element was highly valued because it helped preserve food and give it flavor.

Throughout history, workers have been paid in many different ways. Sometimes they were paid for with goods, as in the case of salt. They could also be paid by having the right to live in a house or on land. During the first years of capitalism, every company had the freedom to pay workers whatever they wanted. Workers could even get paid with three meals a day. However, this was in fact a secret form of slavery.

The first time a minimum wage was agreed was in New Zealand in 1894. But in many countries there was no agreed basic wage until well into the 20th century. There are major inequalities around the world when it comes to the minimum wage. The best level is in Geneva (Switzerland) where it is around SEK 35,000 per month. The worst is in Zambia with about SEK 1 per month.

More facts about work

People often think that policing is the most dangerous thing in the world. But contrary to this view, garbage collectors, taxi drivers and waiters have higher levels of deaths at work.

But these are not the only dangerous professions. It has been established that there are occupations that cause remarkably high levels of stress, such as bus drivers, nurses and industrial workers on assembly lines. These cause high stress levels because they are psychologically demanding. In addition, this type of worker is at higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation (heart disease).

Obsession with work is a relatively new phenomenon. Until not too long ago, people really appreciated rest, and they only exerted themselves if absolutely necessary. Nowadays, many people become anxious when they are not working and feel guilty when they relax. That really is a strange fact.