New publication on the Futures of Work by the Helsinki Node

A new report, Society, Skills and Spaces – Curated Conversations on Futures of Work with Foresight Experts, co-authored by Sirkka Heinonen, Co-Chair of the Millennium Project Helsinki Node, and Riku Viitamäki, has been published by the University of Turku (FFRC 1/2025).

This report is a compilation of expert insights on the futures of work – on the future organizing of work and work spaces as well as the competencies needed in the future digital meanings society. The experts’ insights were obtained through structured interviews conducted for the T-winning Spaces 2035 project with six experienced foresight practitioners, many representing the Millennium Projects Nodes in three continents. The book draws on interviews with Mara di Berardo, Director of Communications and Italy Node Co-Chair, Kacper Nosarzewski, Poland Node Co-Chair, Wendy Schultz, Karlheinz Steinmüller, Geci Karuri-Sebina, Southern Africa Node, and Lala Deheinzelin. The preface is written by Rohit Talwar, UK Node Co-Chair.

The first part of the report discusses big picture questions concerning the futures of work such as a new paradigm of work, paradoxes of work, nature of work, motivations, meanings, and societal transitions, while the second part focuses on specific questions around work spaces and skills needed as well as the new leadership.

Everything will be hybrid and much of knowledge work takes place independent of the location. Hybridisation represents itself way people use their time. Work takes the aspects of leisure while leisure becomes more like work. It becomes more difficult to set clear boundaries between these aspects of life. Furthermore, values play an essential part in the futures of work. Work is not only for sustenance and for payment. Rather, people want to work in a way which accommodates their values. However, not everything will change. Work is still paid work even though voluntary work is something people may want to do after their workday. Futures awareness and critical thinking along with empathy and other soft skills will be required competencies for future worklife.

Download for free on the University of Turku’s website.