Changing nature of work and future of work

Diverse forces are changing the nature of work, with the potential to both positively and negatively affect workers. For example, due to advances in digital technology, the shift to remote and hybrid jobs and the continued rise of gig and platform-based employment, changes are unfolding in what people do for work, and where and how they do it. Our research seeks to understand the impact of these changes on workers, and the workplace and system-level policies and practices to ensure the health, safety and inclusion of all workers, now and in the future.

Latest findings

Two male workers assemble vegetable crates in a warehouse

Employers struggle to provide newcomers with OHS training, support: IWH study

Employers are responsible for providing OHS training and support to keep workers safe. When it comes to workers who are new to Canada, workplaces face particular challenges following through on this responsibility.
Workplace inspectors inspecting a workplace during COVID, as indicated by the masks they are wearing

What research can do: Scanning how OHS authorities responded to the pandemic

A new Issue Briefing looks at common challenges in the way labour inspection authorities in developed countries around the world have responded to the pandemic
Close-up of floor markings indicating six feet distances

In most sectors, workplaces saw lower COVID transmission rates than in the community

What was the role of workplaces in contributing to COVID-19 case counts in Ontario? And what measures did workplaces across Canada put in place to reduce or prevent COVID spread? A team at IWH and Public Health Ontario draw on population-level data to find out.