The High-Level Expert Group on The Impact of the Digital Transformation on EU Labour Markets
Future of workArticleApril 24, 2019
Digital transformation, including but not limited to advancements in Artificial Intelligence and automation, is having an impact on the way we live and work in Europe, but also globally.
Due to digitalization, changes in the labour market are occurring rapidly, influencing the nature, quality and productivity of work. European leaders must make use of these developments to foster economic growth and employment, while at the same time ensuring decent working conditions, social protection and equal opportunities for all.
Accordingly, the European Commission created the High Level Expert Group (HLEG) on The Impact of the Digital Transformation on EU Labour Markets. This gathered expert input and independent advice on how to shape the digital transformation as it concerns the world of work; identify framework conditions to make it smooth and human-centric; and develop appropriate policy responses.
One area the HLEG Report looks at is worker well-being and work-life balance. While digitalization is a great enabler of improved work-life balance and choice for some parts of society, for others it creates increased change and pressure. This can be reflected in mental health conditions. A combination of factors is also making it more difficult for individuals to manage and avoid physical and mental health conditions exacerbated by work. This includes longer working lives. It is also becoming increasingly clear that mental health issues and stress at work comes at a significant cost to multiple stakeholders.. Furthermore, conditions related to stress, due to unemployment uncertainty technological changes, are likely to have an increased impact for already disadvantaged or less flexible groups.
Download the Report to find out more about its recommendations on:
- a skilled workforce supporting digitalization;
- managing new labour relations;
- a new social contract.
Gary Shaughnessy, Chair Z Zurich Foundation was appointed as a member of the HLEG mid-2018.
The report of the High-Level Expert Group (HLEG) on the Impact of the Digital Transformation on EU Labour Markets was originally published on 8 April 2019.