New technologies reshaping work, not destroying jobs

Technology is more likely to create new tasks than remove existing ones, according to new findings from the unique pan-European Working Conditions Survey. Rather than widespread destruction, the primary challenges facing the EU workforce as digitalisation transforms the European labour market, are shifting towards skills mismatches, generational divides, and worker autonomy.

The European Working Conditions Survey 2024 provides a comprehensive overview of working life in Europe. The findings are based on 36,644 in-depth, face-to-face interviews conducted across 35 countries. The survey examines seven dimensions of job quality, ranging from the physical environment to earnings and prospects, the survey, providing policymakers with a unique, evidence based deep dive into the state of work in Europe.

The data highlights a significant surge in digital collaboration over the past five years. Around 40% of EU workers are now using online meeting tools and 35% are utilising electronic collaboration platforms. This shift is not only changing how work is done, but also where work takes place: only 4 in 10 workers in the EU work exclusively from one location, and almost 3 out of 10 employees telework from home, on a full-time, regular or occasional basis.

While hardware such as collaborative robots remains concentrated in the industrial sector, used by only 3% of the workforce, software-based innovation is spreading rapidly. As of 2024, 12% of EU workers report using generative AI tools.

Behind these changes, a clear digital divide is emerging. Men are more likely than women to use emerging technologies like generative AI and wearables, and they report a greater impact of technology on their daily tasks. Younger workers and those in higher-skilled occupations also exhibit much higher familiarity and positive sentiment toward these tools compared to their older counterparts. This trend suggests that while jobs are not disappearing, the nature of the work is changing in ways that may leave certain groups behind without targeted support.

A significant point of concern is worker autonomy and skills use. Currently, 30% of workers believe they are overskilled for their roles, and 21% of employees have no formal way to express their views at work. For these workers, the rise of algorithmic management, where software handles task allocation and monitoring, can reduce their sense of agency rather than improving efficiency.

At the same time, the report highlights that the use of generative AI is associated with lower levels of monotonous tasks and a greater likelihood that workers will assess the quality of their own work, particularly among professionals and managers.

Speaking about the new findings, Eurofound Executive Director Ivailo Kalfin said, ‘Given the scale of the changes that we are witnessing, it is important to closely monitor the impacts of new technologies on working conditions and its effects on workplace inequalities. For policymakers, this means putting workers first and ensuring that efficiency and productivity gains go hand in hand with improvements in job quality.’

• Download the full Overview Report: European Working Conditions Survey 2024

Further information:

Tomorrow, Eurofound will present key findings from the 2024 European Working Conditions Survey at the European Parliament in Brussels. Policymakers, social partners and experts will discuss how working conditions are changing across Europe and explore what the data mean for EU debates on job quality, fairness, competitiveness and the future of work. Find out more at the link below:

Eurofound event: Working in the age of AI - How are working conditions changing across Europe?