Capitol News

From Labor Day 2023 to Labor Day 2024, the U.S. workforce experienced significant developments. Employees across various industries, notably the United Auto Workers, went on strike. Companies increasingly implemented generative artificial intelligence and grappled with maintaining virtual, hybrid, or in-person work environments.

Michigan State University is spearheading the Future of Work Initiative, which included an inaugural conference earlier this year. Tara Behrend, the initiative’s director and John Richard Butler II Endowed Professor in the School of Human Resources and Labor Relations, along with Hye Jin Rho, an assistant professor in the same school within the College of Social Science, discussed these issues.

As people reflect on the contributions of the American labor movement this Labor Day, Behrend and Rho addressed questions about the future of work and workforce challenges.

Responses and excerpts are from a recording of MSU Today with Russ White.

How can we think about the future of work?

Behrend noted that for at least a decade, discussions around the "future of work" have often focused on automation fears: “I’ve heard the term ‘future of work’ being used frequently for at least the last 10 years... There were lots of fears that there would not be enough work.” She emphasized that conversations now include what tasks are uniquely human and cannot or should not be automated. The discussion also encompasses how emerging technologies change job roles and connections among workers.

Additionally, Behrend highlighted issues such as an aging workforce and changing employment security dynamics: “There are people who don’t have the kind of employment security that they deserve.”

Why was this past year critical for labor and unions?

Rho described recent labor movements as pivotal: “As a labor scholar, it was an interesting time.” She mentioned speaking with striking workers in Detroit's casino industry where new contract language addressed technology requirements for the first time. This includes advanced notices for new technology introductions and benefits for those laid off due to technological changes.

Despite active labor movements, union membership has not significantly increased: “We have not seen the increase in the number of people who are joining unions,” Rho said. However, she remains optimistic about future worker empowerment.

How will artificial intelligence (AI) impact work?

Behrend discussed AI's implications: “The ways that technology is now changing work...are not qualitatively different but rather just an extreme extension.” She highlighted potential issues like "automation surprise," where unexpected automated actions cause problems. Understanding these consequences is both a practical and ethical concern.

What are remote work's challenges and benefits?

Behrend observed managerial discomfort with remote teams: “My suspicion is that many managers do not know how to manage a remote workforce.” While acknowledging some benefits lost in remote settings—such as informal interactions—she stressed evaluating which tasks genuinely require in-person presence.

Rho added insights from her students' preferences: “Surprisingly, many of them say they prefer in-person work,” reflecting struggles faced during remote internships.

What came out from the Future of Work Conference?

Behrend shared outcomes from MSU’s conference: “We engaged partners around the region who are eager to collaborate.” Researchers formed new teams to develop proposals aimed at improving skilled trades pipelines and boosting female employment in these fields. The event generated considerable enthusiasm for exploring new topics related to future workplace dynamics.