FutureworkNZ Blog
Ideas and debates supporting the future of work inquiry
Jobs are a fundamental building block of a modern society. For most of us, work consumes much of our waking hours, provides a way to contribute to broader society and generates an income to reflect that contribution. Our occupations help define who we are. A threat to “work as we know it” is not just abstract, it is personal. Recent dramatic improvements in automation technologies have encouraged many to predict widespread job disruption in the near future. Such predictions deserve to be treated both seriously and sceptically. Seriously because the potential consequences are significant, and skeptically, as it would be socially irresponsible to raise fears unnecessarily.
The Commission’s latest inquiry is Technological change and the future of work. The inquiry’s task is to examine the evidence supporting current concerns, form a judgement as to the veracity and likelihood of disruptive change, and advise government on appropriate responses.
This blog will make a small contribution to that task. It allows inquiry staff to float ideas, experiment with presentation, receive quick feedback and address peripheral issues. On this blog, authors write in an individual capacity and there is no “house view” of the Commission. The blog provides inquiry participants with an interactive forum; one that can complement the inquiry’s processes for written submissions and meetings with interested parties.
How you can contribute
Please post comments on this blog. Well expressed and argued comments can and will influence the Commission’s views.
Your comments will not appear at once; a moderator will check them before publication. Please stay on topic and address the issues raised rather than the character and motivations of the people raising them. We’re keen for lively debate, but will decline comments that are wildly off-topic, offensive or insulting.
We’re keen to publish guest posts – send in a short proposal and let’s discuss. Please address any questions or proposals to dave.heatley@productivity.govt.nz.
Copyright and disclaimers
The New Zealand Productivity Commission (“the Commission”) has created this site to complement its inquiry into Technological change and the future of work.
Each post on this blog is the opinion of its authors, and all comments are the opinion of their authors. You should not treat any post or comment as the formal position of the Commission, nor a reliable signal of a future formal position.
You should not construe the content of this blog as legal advice. Neither the authors nor the Commission accept any responsibility or liability for an action taken as a result of reading, or reliance placed because of having read any part, or all, of this blog. Nor do they accept any responsibility or liability for any error, inadequacy, deficiency, flaw in or omission from this blog.
This blog is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. In essence, you are free to share and adapt its content, as long as you attribute the source of the content and abide by the other license terms. This license does not apply to any quoted material, logos, emblems and trademarks on this blog. Please refer to the original author or owner for licensing and permission.