The Future of Work

The Future Of Work

Let’s make work, work for all

Work is no longer a guarantee of material security. And powerful new technologies, like artificial intelligence, mean the future of work could be even more unequal.

We believe good work should be enjoyed by all. Our future of work programme exists to make sure that everyone, regardless of background or starting point, can pursue good work in this age of technological change.

Our principles for good work  economic security, wellbeing, growth, freedom, subjective nurture  are not ambitious in their own right; many people already experience these. However, our ambition is for these principles to be available to all.

By bringing diverse people and ideas together, we believe we can influence a new future of work.

Featured projects

Our research and impact projects seek to advance good work for all. 

Transforming Lifelong Learning

We're testing an innovative and scalable approach to lifelong learning, via a digital careers and employability coaching platform.

Economic Security Observatory

We're identifying where gaps in support – from the state, communities or employers – contribute to the rising tide of economic insecurity.

Global Innovations in Good Work

We're working to deepen and scale the impact of global innovations in good work.

Good Work Guild

We're bringing together a global network of Fellows working to tackle vital issues related to economic security and labor-market transforming technologies.

Major reports

We have been developing new ideas and solutions for the future of work for a number of years. Read more about our thinking on good work.

Work and automation in the time of Covid-19

This report explores how Covid-19 and technological change are reshaping the labour market.

8 ideas for a new social contract for good work

We advocate eight ideas to form the basis of a new social contract for good work.

The four futures of work

This report details four very different ‘scenarios’ for the future of work in the UK. We argue that policy-makers should focus more on how automation will transform all work.

Latest thinking

  • Digital lifelong learning in France

    Report

    Veronica Mrvcic Aoife O'Doherty

    Read the findings of our partnership with Bayes Impact, funded by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, as we supported the design and evaluation of their Jobflix platform.

  • Good Work Guild: inspiring the future of work

    Blog

    Adanna Shallowe

    Learn about the twelve-month journey of The Good Work Guild and the recommendations its global network of Fellows and work practitioners have made.

  • Scaling digital lifelong learning innovations in the UK

    Report

    Mark Hall Veronica Mrvcic

    This report outlines barriers preventing people from accessing UK lifelong learning opportunities and the drivers that could encourage impactful digital innovations.

Our global work

Since 2017, the RSA US has been developing a Future of Work practice to support regional innovations in good work, economic security and inclusive growth. Find out more about this work.

Get involved

Partner with us

Our corporate partners enjoy unique engagement opportunities and experiences that strengthen thought leadership, deepen employee contribution and enhance brand reputation, for the benefit of their organisations and their people.

The RSA has been a great future of work thought leader and partner for Mastercard - its networks, reputation, actionable insights and focus on innovation have helped us refine our approach to social impact in the UK and beyond.

Senior VP, Social Impact, International Markets of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth Payal Dalal

Join our community

Join our unique global network of changemakers enabling people, places and the planet to flourish.

Support our work

As a registered charity we rely on our donors, funders and Fellows to realise our vision. Help us create opportunities to regenerate our world by donating to the RSA.