Work, Working and Work Relationships in a Changing World

摘要

Since the turn of the 21st century, there has been much discussion about the changing world of work among scholars, public policy makers, managers and employees. Much has been written about the subject in scholarly and practitioner publications alongside increasing interest in the broader media. Technological development and innovation, such as the ubiquity of mobile Internet connection, growth in the use of artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computers, 3-D printing, nanotechnology, the Internet of Things and autonomous vehicles are argued to incur fundamental changes in the way in which businesses and societies work and how individuals lead their lives. An important influence on contemporary work practices and work relationships is the increasing use of time and spatial flexibility, where a growing number of employees having access to flexible work practices, which allow choice over where and when they work. A further trend impacting work, working and work relationships is the widespread change in the structure of employment.