A human-centred agenda is needed in the transformation of work
Digitalization challenges the ways we work but workers and human know-how are still needed in the future. Image: Lassi Karia 2016
The International Labour Organisation ILO celebrates its 100th anniversary. New ways to work and the effects of globalisation and digitalization on the position of workers are in focus when ILO promotes decent work and fair working conditions all over the world.
The task of the International Labour Organisation ILO is to draft and monitor the implementation of international labour conventions. ILO’s work to advance social justice in working life has already lasted for 100 years. For its 100th anniversary, the organisation published Centenary Initiatives on the basis of which the organisation’s work and priorities will be developed. The report on the Future of Work was published on January 22.
New ways to work, such as platform work, are some of ILO’s strongest focus areas. Such structures are estimated to have a growing impact in our ways to work, the rules and regulations of work and the implementation of working conditions.
”New ways to work are well-known phenomena all over the world. They challenge the working conditions of workers and therefore also the operations of both workers and companies. We have to ensure, also in Finland, that we won’t create double standard labour markets where similar work is done with different set of rules”, PAM’s Industrial Policy Specialist Katri Jakosuo says.
Humans, not just robots
ILO’s report is very human-centred. Even when digitalization challenges the ways we work, human beings with their knowledge and skills are still needed. Therefore, it’s more important than ever to encourage people to reskill and upskill. Life-long learning and personal development have to be possible, also in future’s working life.
”In the transformation of work, we have to engage those foundations and structures which can be used to keep employees on board and make sure that their know-how and well-being are taken care of”, Jakosuo points out.
”For example, if a growing number of companies will offer their services 24/7 in the future, societies have to put more emphasis on offering also public transport and childcare services around the clock. The national and municipal decision-makers have to ensure that the needed services are available”, Jakosuo says.
Read ILO’s report on Future of work here.