TVETipedia Glossary

Future of work debates focus on how mega-trends such as globalisation, technological progress, demographic and societal change, as well as climate change/the transition to a low carbon economy, have the potential to fundamentally alter the nature of work. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) argues that these trends are likely to affect both the quantity and quality of available jobs, as well as how and by whom they are carried out. While the associated changes may offer opportunities (such as increased flexibility and widened labour market participation), they also lead to significant challenges (in terms of impact on social protection systems, representation and social dialogue, and suitability of labour regulations). In advanced economies, fears around vast unemployment and deepening inequality, caused by automation and globalisation, have been raised. Moreover, emerging forms of work are prompting concerns about the quality of future jobs.