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Envisioning the Future of Work: From Ideas to Reforms

David Spencer

British Journal of Industrial Relations2026https://doi.org/10.1111/bjir.70035article
AJG 4ABDC A*
Weight
0.50

Abstract

Two different theoretical perspectives concerning technology and the future of work are examined. One is linked to mainstream economics, whereas the other is associated with critical (‘post‐work’) discourse. Ideas about work—its nature and impacts on well‐being—matter in both perspectives. Indeed, they shape visions of a ‘better’ or ‘ideal’ future. They also influence policy responses to new technology. A critique is presented of the ways that work and its possible futures are understood. This critique is used to develop a different set of ideas about how technology might be harnessed to reduce the burden and raise the quality of work. The ability of ideas to effect reforms in and of work—ideas that have currency now and possible radical alternatives—is also assessed.

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https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/bjir.70035

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@article{david2026,
  title        = {{Envisioning the Future of Work: From Ideas to Reforms}},
  author       = {David Spencer},
  journal      = {British Journal of Industrial Relations},
  year         = {2026},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/bjir.70035},
}

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Envisioning the Future of Work: From Ideas to Reforms

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Evidence weight

0.50

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20
M · momentum0.50 × 0.15 = 0.07
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

† Text relevance is estimated at 0.50 on the detail page — for your query’s actual relevance score, open this paper from a search result.