The ‘future of work’ is now a commonplace term used across businesses, organisations, and governments. For many, it is synonymous with vast technological change - the diffusion of artificial intelligence (AI), the rise of automation and the expansion of the gig economy.

This report focuses on the on-going impact of COVID-19 on work futures. The researchers ask a central question:  how are Australian workers faring into the COVID-19 recovery? Drawing on data on the work experiences of 1,400 Australian workers since the pandemic, they identify four critical future of work themes:

1. Unsafe: Australians feel their work and workplaces are unsafe, sites of discrimination for women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, caregivers and people living with chronic illnesses. 
2. Unwell: Work, as it currently stands, is making many Australians unwell, with many working harder and reporting greater exhaustion than pre-pandemic, especially those in their prime working ages.
3. Uncertain: Australian workers have a limited understanding of how the upcoming technological changes driven by automation and artificial intelligence will impact their jobs, creating greater uncertainty. Work, as it currently stands, is rapidly changing, with many Australians unclear on how to keep up.
4. Opportunity: Despite these massive issues, Australian workers see greater opportunity to support workers to build happier, more satisfied work lives especially through the rise of flexible workplaces and flexible work practices.