Future of work

The world of work in Canada and other industrialized countries is undergoing rapid transformation. Major forces driving change include digital technologies, artificial intelligence, climate change, demographic shifts and more. This change may bring far-reaching social, political and economic consequences for a generation of workers. IWH researchers are exploring the emerging issues posed by some of these trends—on health and safety, on work inequities, and on the inclusion of marginalized groups in the future of work—and seeking policy, system and workplace actions that can be implemented now to help ensure a healthy and inclusive future for all.

Featured

A graphic of a person holding binoculars out while pointing to the horizon.
At Work article

What work and health challenges might OHS professionals face by 2040?

What challenges may face occupational health and safety practitioners and policy-makers by 2040?
Published: February 10, 2026
Dr. Arif Jetha speaks at the PAIQ launch event.
At Work article

AI and job quality project gathers partners to develop roadmap

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more integrated into workplaces, a new IWH project wants to ensure that job quality—and the health and safety of workers—remains a top priority.
Published: January 14, 2026
At Work article
At Work article

New research centre to examine work disability policy in Canada

The Centre for Research on Work Disability Policy, led by two IWH scientists, aims to improve how people with disability are supported in the labour market
Published: February 2014
IWH Speaker Series
IWH Speaker Series

Income security and labour-market engagement: Envisioning the future of work disability policy in Canada

In this plenary IWH senior scientists Drs. Emile Tompa and Ellen MacEachen describe the new Centre for Research in Work Disability Policy, recently launched to address work disability policy challenges through a seven-year SSHRC Partners grant. They describe the centre’s mandate and how it's organized to create a new generation of research on work disability policy.
Published: February 2014
Project
Project

Centre for Research on Work Disability Policy: Envisioning the future of disability policy in Canada

The Centre for Research on Work Disability Policy (CRWDP) is a transdisciplinary initiative on the future of work disability policy in Canada, bringing together over 60 academic and over 60 partners from across the country.
Status: Completed