"For individuals, the Future of Work presents optimistic possibilities, including productivity gains from technology, potential income increases and improved quality of goods and services, balanced against the risks of job displacement, work stress and the dehumanizing effects of automation, particularly in professional and knowledge work."
Professor Riikka Sarala, Corinne Post, Jonathan Doh, and Daniel Muzio conclude this in "Advancing Research on the Future of Work in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI)."
In their introduction, they say, "Optimists, despite acknowledging challenges, welcome the transformative potential of technology and see this as yielding more prosperity and collaborative and meaningful forms of work."
This aligns with the Optimism Principle - The answer to life's most pressing questions is optimism.
It aligns too with the Optimis Effect - companies and countries that are the most optimistic have a comparative advantage in capital formation, productivity and innovation.
As Riikka reinforced to me, "professions which have a long history of protecting themselves in the wake of contextual shocks will likely reconfigure their capabilities, innovate to offset threats, and renegotiate the boundaries of their work to expand and protect their competence."
Optimism is the essential driver of innovation and progress. When guided by an optimistic vision, technology can amplify human potential, elevate productivity, and create new pathways for collaboration and creativity. The most successful innovators and entrepreneurs are not those who dwell on the risks of disruption but those who see possibilities where others see problems. History has shown that every significant technological advancement, from the printing press to artificial intelligence, has been met with scepticism. Yet, optimism has fueled the breakthroughs that shape our modern world. In this context, the Future of Work is not something to be feared but embraced, as long as optimism remains the lens through which we navigate these changes.
This infectious optimism does not mean ignoring challenges but believing in the ability to adapt, learn, and thrive. The future belongs to those who welcome technological transformation with an optimistic mindset and ensure that progress benefits all.