A World without Work
All those who closely monitor the spectacular developments in new technologies understand very well the significant impact they will have on our jobs. It is indeed difficult to believe that engineers, data specialists and other high-skill jobs associated with this new technological revolution will help to fill massive layoffs of blue-collar jobs. However, can we imagine a world without work? In fact, we are already noting in many developed countries a decrease in the number of full-time jobs. In 2014, employment rate for persons aged 15 to 64 stood at 49.6% in Greece, 64.2% in France, 71.9% in the UK, 77.7% in Germany and 79.8% in Switzerland (Fig.IREF). But the proportion of this workforce that was reporting a part-time job increased steadily from 16.7% in 2004 to 19.6% by 2014 (Fig.Eurostat). In this situation, one would assume that in the next future workers with full-time jobs could become a minority in the world of work. Moreover, technological progress seems to meet the needs and expectations of a significant part of the citizens who want more time for family and personal activities. Yes, we are already in a "post-employment" society. In fact, even if it does not appear in official statistics, students, retired people, disabled people and of course jobseekers probably represent a majority of people you pass by. And among the workers increasing numbers of people request to work reduced hours. The decline of work in our wealthy nations is already a reality. The pertinent question really should be: who will finance the needs of people who have chosen to work less and despite that, maintain their current consumption levels. A "world without work" could quickly become very difficult to manage.
Comments :
- No comments
Post a comment