Introduction: Work in the 21st Century: How do I Log on?

Abstract

How do we log on to work in the 21st century? This question underpins the dilemma faced by governments, organisations, and individuals as they struggle to adapt to the profound changes occurring to workplaces in an era of technologically advanced globally competitive labor markets. This includes shifts towards intermittent precarious type work and self-employment (Standing, 2011), rapid increases in the scope and breadth of information and communication technol-ogy (ICT)-supported work activities, the rise of the “gig” econ-omy and the emergence of disruptive technologies that are redefining the relationship between workers and machines. Skilled migration programs add a further dimension to the global labor market mix.