The article investigates the genesis and evolution of the concept of “work” in historical retrospect, focusing on philosophical, economic, social, and cultural aspects of its transformation. The study analyzes changes in the interpretation of the term “work” from primitive society to the modern digital environment, identifying key trends in the development of labor practices. Three main stages in the evolution of the concept of «work» are distinguished: primitive physical labor, aimed at survival; industrial labor, associated with mechanization and worker alienation; modern intellectual labor, based on knowledge, creativity, and information technologies. The perspectives of classical labor theorists (K. Marx) and contemporary researchers (R. Florida, M. Castells) are emphasized, revealing fundamental differences between these stages. The characteristics of labor in primitive society are outlined, where it was individual, holistic, and closely tied to nature. The transition to collective forms of labor with the development of agriculture and social hierarchies is noted. The industrial stage is examined in detail, particularly the role of technological progress, capitalist relations, and worker exploitation. The modern stage of intellectual labor is analyzed through the prism of creativity, innovation, and digital technologies. It is emphasized that knowledge and information become the objects of labor, with intellectual potential serving as the primary resource. Key features of intellectual labor are identified, including autonomy, flexibility, and network organization. Special attention is given to contemporary trends, particularly the integration of physical and intellectual labor in the context of robotization and automation.

Keywords: work, concept, genesis, evolution, primitive society, industrialization, physical labor, intellectual labor, individual work, collective work, modern stage.

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