The late 18th and early 20th centuries were marked by significant technological, economic, and social changes resulting from the First and Second Industrial Revolutions. This transformation began in Britain with the discovery of the steam engine, leading to rapid growth in the textile and steel industries, which were the most important industries of the time. This phenomenon then spread to the rest of Europe and North America in the early 19th century, creating a working class around industrial areas and new trades. This new reality changed lifestyles and habits, with urbanization now defined by the presence of factories that distinguished major cities from rural areas, which largely remained pre-industrial. Industries like textile manufacturing, which had been home-based for centuries, turned into mechanical production involving workers in large factories and vast production lines. The Industrial Revolution brought significant social changes in Britain, followed by the United States, becoming evident by the mid-19th century. Before the Industrial Revolution, American work was largely agricultural, with farmers working for themselves or their families or neighbors. Employment relationships were personal and small-scale. With the growth of factories and mechanical machines, more work was done in factories employing large numbers of workers who might never meet the company owner. The social separation between employers and workers led to neglecting or ignoring workers' complaints, despite the dangerous factory environments caused by new, powerful machinery.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, tensions between employees and employers peaked. Frustrated with unfair labor practices and concerned about market safety and preservation, an increasing number of Americans joined progressive movements seeking to expose the dark side of industry and unchecked capitalism, pushing for change through new legislation and constitutional amendments. Simultaneously, workers nationwide adopted a more direct—and often violent—approach to seek change. This period saw violent actions by groups like the “Molly Maguires,” responsible for assassinations and terrorist acts in Virginia and Pennsylvania, leading to violent and deadly clashes between workers and employers, such as the “Ludlow Massacre” and the “Haymarket Affair,” where seven police officers and four civilians were killed.

Many employers violently resisted calls to improve working conditions, making it clear that the status quo was unsustainable. Consequently, some companies began seeking ways to improve relations with their workforce.

The establishment of the first human resources department is often credited to the creation of the Personnel Management Department by NCR Corporation in the early 20th century. This department was created in response to numerous strikes and employee withdrawals, tasked with addressing worker complaints, safety issues, and training supervisors on new company policies, thus starting a new chapter with human resources.

The human resources function has continued to evolve, becoming a cornerstone of corporate success. However, it cannot reach its full potential unless HR professionals are equipped with the necessary knowledge to create change and make a difference. This is why we launched the “Workplace Utopia” community, the only Arab community bringing together HR professionals, enthusiasts, and influencers to exchange ideas, experiences, and knowledge, accelerating development and improving workplace environments.

Utopia community discusses everything related to improving the work environment through scientific articles, practical experiences, and suggestions. It also hosts small workshops and short meetings with top HR officials and decision-makers, all aimed at creating an ideal and virtuous work environment akin to Plato’s Utopia.

Join now and meet top HR professionals.

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Note: "The community is (closed) and exclusive to internal communication specialists, influencers, and decision-makers in HR. Membership requests will be reviewed by the group’s team.”