On this Election Day, we reflect on the pressing issues that resonate with voters: the economy, job creation, and the overall quality of work in this country. The ever-changing state of labor requires us to engage thoughtfully in these conversations, especially as new technologies reshape our world. The Aspen Institute Future of Work Initiative’s series, “Back to the Future of Work: Revisiting the Past and Shaping the Future,” is designed to explore these themes and foster informed dialogue. 

As we engage with these critical discussions today, let’s remember that our choices will profoundly affect the economy and workers’ lives in this nation. Exercise your right to vote and join us in shaping the future of work that is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. 

Below, check out the work our partners are doing and explore the issues surrounding the future of work. 

Looking Back on the “Future of Work” (And What’s Next) 

In this introduction to our series, Senior Fellows Natalie Foster (Economic Security Project) and Anmol Chaddha (Omidyar Network) examine how predictions about the future of work have evolved over the past decade, from longtime predictions like self-driving cars to unexpected developments like the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI). Foster and Chaddha invite us to consider who has been marginalized in these discussions and how we can utilize lessons from the past to navigate the future of work more effectively. 

AI and the Future of Work(ers) 

In this piece, Don J. Howard, president and CEO of The James Irvine Foundation, examines the implications of AI and other societal changes on workers, emphasizing the urgent need for employee involvement in shaping the future of work. He advocates for a collaborative approach to reskilling, transparent AI governance, and empowering workers through collective bargaining. Ultimately, Howard calls for a vision of technology that prioritizes shared prosperity and equitable labor practices.

Artificial Intelligence, Human Intellectual Autonomy and the Future of Work 

In this blog, NYU Stern’s Arun Sundararajan addresses the intersection of AI and human intellectual autonomy. He argues that without proper legislative frameworks, workers may lose economic returns on their investments in human capital. Sundararajan calls for proactive measures to establish robust educational and transitional support systems for mid-career workers, ensuring dignity in the face of technological intervention. And as we approach a future shaped by AI, he emphasizes the urgency of designing policies that protect worker autonomy and promote equitable access to opportunity. 

Empowering the Workforce: Roy Bahat on the Future of Work

In a thought-provoking conversation with Workonomics’ Nilesh Kavthekar, Roy Bahat — head of Bloomberg Beta and chair of the Aspen Business Roundtable on Organized Labor — highlights the significance of collaboration between workers and employers. He asserts that empowering workers is vital not only for individual success but also for economic growth. His answers reveal a call to shift how we approach workforce dynamics in an era of technological advancement.