Shaping the digital transformation of work

Digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), are transforming our working lives, yet the impacts are diverse. For some, new technologies have already led to increased surveillance and algorithmic management at work, while for others, technology offers increased freedom as to where, when and how they work.

From a policy or organisational perspective, investment in digital innovation is seen as essential to national comparative advantage, with clear benefits for productivity and economic growth. What does this mean for the jobs that people do? And whose voices will shape the outcomes of this transition?

To investigate what is really happening in the digital transformation, the Digital Futures at Work Research Centre was established in 2020, and completed a five-year programme of academic research.

We need to work together to shape the future that benefits us all, ensuring a just transition and a sustainable future for people, organisations, our economies, and for society.

—Peter Cheese, Chief Executive, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)

Impact

• Revealing digital inequalities: the research found disparities between people's access to digital work and welfare and connected this to existing gender, race, disability and socio-economic inequalities
• Policy recommendations: detailed the key challenges and opportunities for policymakers and industry in the transition to digital work ecosystems.

Key information

• Major funders: Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
• Partners and collaborators: University of Sussex Business School, University of Aberdeen, University of Cambridge, University of Manchester, Monash University, Institute of Development Studies, Institute for the Future of Work
• Disciplines: business
• Centre directors: Professor Mark Stuart, Professor Jacqueline O’Reilly.

Keywords: digital transformation, AI, technologies, future of work, employment, inclusion