WorkingWell

Time-Motion Study

Inspiration for the movement plotting stems from a time-motion study conducted by the couple Frank and Lillian Gilbreth. In the late 19th century they started their research on human work motions through the medium of film (Poynor, 2016).

At that time this trend of rationalizing work was shown in the whole society and referred to as "Efficiency Movement". On Wikipedia this term is described as:

"[...]a major movement in the United States, Britain and other industrial nations in the early 20th century that sought to identify and eliminate waste in all areas of the economy and society, and to develop and implement best practices. The concept covered mechanical, economic, social, and personal improvement.The quest for efficiency promised effective, dynamic management rewarded by growth. As a result of the influence of an early proponent, it is more often known as Taylorism."

Image 1: Frederick Winslow Taylor

The Gilbreths created a method where human bodies were positioned within a grid. Test persons performed their specific work motions while recorded by the couple. Aim of these so-called cyclegraphs was to improve the efficiency of repetitive tasks such as movements of champion golf-players, quick typists or skilled surgeons (Gilbreth, 1920).

Image 2: Time-Motion Study, Example 1

Image 3: Time-Motion Study, Example 2

Monument to Work

Another example of a motion study in more recent times is the contemporary and artistic approach by artist Alexandra Pirici. She has a background in dance and choreography and is popular for her work across different mediums (ZKM).

"Bodies at work are disciplined bodies, normalised under the structure of various organisational contexts with prescribed movements and postures that fall within parameters of physical conformity. Placed in confined spaces and reduced to time broken down in standardised, repetitive instalments, the working body follows a ritual of its own, performing the work, while routinely reperforming itself." --- Alexandra Pirici, 2015

Image 4: Photo by Ricard Estay in Sweden, Statens konstråd/BUS, 2015.

Monument to Work is an artwork that recontextualizes working bodies, in order to rethink the concept of work and explore existing possibilities for its memorialisation. Repetitive movements of the Taylorist factory were distorted and transformed into slow-motion. They become meditative, they get an easy flow and they suddenly get different dynamics (Pirici, 2015).

Image 5: Photo by Ricard Estay, performances took place in public spaces

Super cool offices

Since a couple of years a new development has been observed. Google and other companies – mostly those embracing technology, innovation and creativity – design their offices as playgrounds for adults. It says, a playful and fun environment makes employees more creative. It makes them feel home and welcome. They feel so cozy that there is actually no need anymore to go home. Also, companies provide healthy snacks, a ginger shot on mondays and massages every other day (Glancey, 2017).

Image 10: Fun office.

Image 11: Soooo much fun! I love my job!

But what for? Is it to make employees more content and healthy? Or is it rather to push their motivation and thus their productivity? Fact is, we are all part of the game in order to become more efficient and optimized. The question is who are the real winners here?

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