Future of Work explores monumental changes in the workplace and the long-term impact on workers, employers, educators and communities.
As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, a new PBS series explores the accelerated pace of change in the workplace and the potential for long-term impact on workers, employers, educators and communities across our country. Prior to the start of the pandemic, a team of award-winning filmmakers at public media powerhouse GBH had begun exploring the experiences of American workers across industries, generations, geographies and pay levels. The resulting multi-platform series, Future of Work, makes its debut this summer on streaming and broadcast platforms.
“Future of Work raises critical questions and explores compelling diverse individual experiences,” says GBH Executive Producer and series creator Denise DiIanni. “We provide expert perspectives to help us understand what the future holds for the U.S. workforce and why that matters in today’s world.” Is the right to work a human right? Is the future of work about entrenched haves and have-nots? What are the merits of college vs. training programs in preparing for the jobs of tomorrow? How do we protect and preserve employment opportunities that sustain families, communities, and the nation — fundamental aspects of the American Dream?
Schedule:
Episode 1: The New Industrial Revolution
Wednesday, September 1 at 10p ET
In addition to illuminating the ongoing drivers for disruptions to the world of work – AI, robotics, platform technology, globalization, labor practices — the pandemic has been a driver of change. Unemployment flipped from lowest in 50 years to highest in a century.
Episode 2: Futureproof
Wednesday, September 8 at 10p ET
Frontline and service workers have borne the health consequences of the pandemic, increasing racial and economic disparities. Certain robotic and AI applications are accelerating as the value of human workers is further questioned. Determining the likely areas of job growth and training needs is difficult. Post-secondary education has become more virtual and its costs, more controversial.
Episode 3: Changing Work, Changing Workers
Wednesday, September 15 at 10p ET
Companies rethink the need to even have offices, or how to redesign places of work. The traditional work shift – 9-5, 5 days a week – is losing relevance. Many companies are adopting the remote work models, spawned by the pandemic, as their new normal. The sense of precariousness and fear increases for many. Workers are demoralized, lonely, frightened and don’t know how to prepare for the future. Does the nation need new policies of Guaranteed Basic Income, (UBI) or a drastic rethinking of the social safety nets? Are we facing a post-work era, or an increased inequity in how we make our livings?
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