Proceedings of the round table on the future of work

Questions around the concept of work were discussed, with a focus on ethical, moral and governance aspects. The event unfolded in four panels with talks from key stakeholders, followed by an open discussion.

The first panel raised fundamental questions of why we work, how work gives us meaning as individuals and members of society, to what extent work can create both community and disparity, and which 'social contract' we envisage for the generations to come. The second panel explored the opportunities and dangers associated with new employment forms, such as gig and platform work. The third panel addressed the consequences of automation and digitalisation on the world of work. The concluding panel was dedicated to questions about governance and ethics.

When preparing its Opinions, the EGE engages in a broad consultation process, involving a wide range of stakeholders from all sectors of society. Organising round tables with an aim to discuss and later address the issues raised by the society in the upcoming Opinion is a common practice for the EGE.

Valuable input of the panellists was collected in these proceedings and will further feed into the EGE’s Opinion 30 on the Future of Work.

Panel 1

• Why We Work - Barry Schwartz, Emeritus Professor of Psychology, Swarthmore College; Visiting Professor, Haas School of Business, Berkeley
• Presentation - Sangheon Lee, Special Adviser to the Deputy Director-General for Policy on Economic and Social Issues of the International Labour Organization

Panel 2

• Working conditions in the era of digitalisation and automation, new forms of employment and entrepreneurship - Irene Mandl, Head of Research Unit 'Employment' at the Eurofound
• New Labour Market Trends and their Implications for Poverty and Social Exclusion - Amana Ferro, Senior Policy Officer at the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN)

Panel 3

• Automation, digitalisation and algorithmic decision-making - Konstantinos Pouliakas, Expert on Skills and Labour Markets at the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop)

Panel 4

• Presentation - Ursula Huws, Professor of Labour and Globalisation, University of Hertfordshire
• The 4th Industrial Revolution: a New Challenge for Europe - Thiébaut Weber, Confederal Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC)