Revolutionizing Work: How technology today is shaping the future of the workplace

Abstract

The world of work has constantly changed over the last two hundred years. In the preindustrial era, work was primarily agrarian. The Industrial Revolution in the late 18th century shifted the work dynamics to factory-based mechanization and mass production. In the 20th century, electricity, telecommunications, and computing advancements further automated industries. The Information Age in the late 20th century brought about a digital revolution, where the service sector grew in prominence, powered by the internet and personal computing. Today, in the 21st century, the world of work is experiencing yet another transformation driven by globalisation, digitalisation, and disruptive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and remote work capabilities. These advancements are changing how we work, redefining the very concept of work and leading to a more flexible, interconnected, and innovative workplace ecosystem.