The future of work

Abstract

During the twentieth century, welfare states were instrumental in confining economic and social inequalities. Yet, the ongoing technological transformation has changed the way people work. The changing nature of risks associated with new forms of employment may require redefining employment relationships and redesigning current social protection systems. This chapter reviews the challenges for universal social protection in a rapidly changing world of work and discusses policy options for social protection systems that protect and stimulate human development with a focus on developed countries. After a review of current trends and predictions as to how the future of work might look like, this chapter discusses the implications for social protection and the welfare state and possible solutions.