Shaping the future of work

In forging our futures and contemplating the kinds of lives we might imagine as possible in the societies of tomorrow, it is vital to consider the realm of work. Paid work provides a means for people to earn money to support their families and to contribute to their communities. It also has the potential to provide structure to daily lives, a social identity, access to friendships and social networks, and a sense of purpose and satisfaction. It is the central force in many people's lives and yet the world of work is transforming rapidly and unpredictably and the impact of change is being played out erratically across the globe. This paper highlights some of these changes focussing most particularly on both the impact of globalisation and the impact of innovation/new technology. It highlights the need for workers to find new ways to resist unacceptable change and for members of society to engage with politics in order to ensure that the overall impact of transformation is experienced as broadly positive across the spectrum of worldwide socio-economic groupings and is not just of benefit to those who are already members of affluent elites.