This report by the Digital Futures at Work Research Centre looks at how the digital transformation of work is unfolding in practice by focusing on three central dimensions – the nature and extent of digital adoption by firms; changes to employment contracts and ways of working; and digital inclusion. The research points to five key challenges for the digital transformation of work: (1) digital adoption is still patchy; (2) investment in digital skills and literacy gaps is low; (3) experimental employment contracts are disrupting established business models; (4) many people are excluded by the digitalisation of work and employment services due to lack of resources, capacity or knowledge; and (5) workers are not being systematically consulted on the use of new technologies, but consultation can benefit firms. The report calls for more inclusive ‘digital dialogues’ between policymakers, organisations, workers, unions and civil society on all of these issues to steer towards a better future of work.
