Work—it’s what most of us spend the majority of our adult lives doing. If only we weren’t so much in a hurry to be an adult! If you take a moment to reflect, you’ll notice how drastically our working culture has evolved over the past few decades. From rigid schedules and suits to flexible hours and Zoom calls, the way we work, connect, and define success has undergone a major transformation.
If you are of the generation where hard work and discipline isn’t part of your culture. Keep reading!
In my lifetime, the ideal job was one that came with a steady paycheck, a desk in a cubicle, and a pension plan. You would hit the time clock at 9 AM and you were out at 5PM. Your hope was to retire from the same company you started with. Loyalty was rewarded, and success often meant climbing a corporate ladder—slowly and surely. The idea of jumping place to place was unheard of.
Key Traits of the Past:
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Strict dress codes and office etiquette
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Clear chains of command
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Long-term employment with one company
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Emphasis on loyalty, routine, and security
Fast forward to today, and the workforce is almost unrecognizable. Technology has not only changed how we work—but where, when, and why. The rise of remote work, and a new generation of values have flipped the traditional model on its head. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing….I’m just saying!
Current Trends:
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Remote and hybrid work options
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Focus on work-life integration rather than balance
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Project-based or freelance roles
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Emphasis on purpose, wellness, and innovation
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Less formality—more authenticity
Professionals now prioritize flexibility, mental health, and meaningful work. Titles and tenure matter less than impact and creativity. And “retirement plans” have become less about pensions and more about personal investments and lifestyle choices.
Those looking for jobs today aren’t just looking for a paycheck—they want a culture. They’re asking questions like:
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Does this company care about my well-being?
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Can I grow here—both personally and professionally?
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Does this align with my values?
Companies that once focused solely on profit margins are being asked to consider equity, inclusion, sustainability, and the human experience of their teams. Not that htese things aren’t all good…but yikes!
💡 What This Means for the Beauty Industry
Even in industries like ours—where hands-on work is essential—we can’t feel to safe. We are seeing these cultural shifts play out.
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Beauty professionals want flexible schedules and better pay transparency.
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Clients want more personalized, wellness-focused services.
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Technicians are seeking community, education, and respect.
Old-school salon culture is being replaced by business-savvy professionals who value collaboration over competition. We’re seeing more niche specializations, more mobile services, and a stronger push for safe, clean, and inclusive spaces.
As we look ahead, the future of work, we know, will be even more personalized and driven by technology. But no matter how many apps or AI tools we adopt, one thing remains clear: people matter. Relationships matter. And the culture we create—whether in an office, a salon, or online—will continue to shape the way we live and work.
The way we work has changed, but that’s not a bad thing. It’s a sign of growth. Our evolving work culture reflects a deeper understanding of what it means to be human—and how to design a career that serves not just our income, but our purpose.
We know the good days, or the days as we know it are long gone. Yet, maybe there is good reason.
Work culture has evolved. It’s now about flexibility, purpose, wellness, and innovation. In the beauty industry, that means:
✨ Freedom in how we schedule
✨ Focus on education + wellness
✨ Clients who want more than just polish
We’re not just working—we’re building careers that matter.
Is it possible to take the advancements of today and combine them with the ethics of years ago? What a dynamite that would be!
CJ Murray, President
