The Challenges to the future of work
The world of work is undergoing profound and accelerating transformation. Technological change - particularly in artificial intelligence, automation, robotization, and digitalization - is reshaping occupational structures in labour markets across regions. Demographic shifts are altering global labour supply as ageing high-income economies confront shrinking workforces and lower- and middle-income countries face the challenge of generating productive employment for large and growing youth populations. Climate change is transforming labour demand. It threatens livelihoods in climate-vulnerable sectors and regions, risking labour displacement and inequality, particularly in the developing world. The green transition creates new employment opportunities and has the potential to increase productivity and support sustainable growth.
These forces interact to redefine employment relationships and skill requirements, often magnifying existing inequalities across gender, age, skill level, and geography. They also accelerate the expansion of non-standard forms of employment, including platform-mediated work, temporary contracts, and informality. At the same time, the future of work is not predetermined. Public policy, labour-market institutions, education and training systems, social protection frameworks, and mechanisms of collective representation play a decisive role in shaping how technological and structural change translates into labour-market outcomes. The central challenge is to ensure that transitions are inclusive, workers are supported, and productivity gains are shared broadly across society.
Work is central to human well-being, social cohesion, and economic development. It is a primary source of income and social protection, a key channel for social mobility, and a cornerstone of individual dignity and participation in society. The availability, quality, and distribution of work are therefore fundamental to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This includes poverty reduction (SDG 1), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), gender equality (SDG 5), and sustainable development more broadly.
