The attitudes towards work have changed drastically with time. A great part of this may be the result of the increasingly new development and introduction of mechanical technology.
For example, the once guaranteed "dedication to one's work", ensured a worker's will to sacrifice what they could for the benefit of the business. This loyalty and devotion, however, is hardly found nowadays, with generally more people concerned about their wages and salaries than the actual welfare of the business that they work for.
It is also found that today in society, people work because they need the money to support a family etc. unlike antiquity, where people (mostly women) worked only to pass time. .
And although there have been unions establishing the existence of the 8 hour day, the amount of work done in one day still exceeds that of the past. Work does no longer end with the disappearance of daylight, as artificial lights have made it possible to work at any time of they day. In addition to this, modern electrical appliances such as computers and photocopiers have just about doubled the rate of productivity. It is only this increased productivity that helps us maintain and balance out our excess consumption and high standard of living. .
It is also understood that the larger part of the Australian workforce has worked harder, more obediently, for fear of unemployment in the current recession situation. Unpaid overtime is just one of the many things that workers go through as part of their attempt to secure their work position.
There is, on the other hand, one major advantage that the present workers have- that the olden day workers failed to receive; this is the worker's benefit. Law and order have made clear the reasonable treatment workers deserve from their respected authorities. This in turn creates a better work environment for the workers, who are more inclined to adhere to the rules. This begins a mutual profit for both the worker and his employer.