Re-imagining work green paper: Work 4.0

This document is intended to initiate broad debate about the impact of digitalisation on the shape of work, products and business models. In envisaging Work 4.0, the report includes not only the aspects of new technological developments associated with Industry 4.0 but the cultural shift in the preferences for the way in which work is organised. The aim is to encourage stakeholders to develop a new social compromise which benefits both employers and employees. The document begins by describing significant overarching trends and scenarios affecting working society. It then sets out what...  [+] Show more

This document is intended to initiate broad debate about the impact of digitalisation on the shape of work, products and business models. In envisaging Work 4.0, the report includes not only the aspects of new technological developments associated with Industry 4.0 but the cultural shift in the preferences for the way in which work is organised. The aim is to encourage stakeholders to develop a new social compromise which benefits both employers and employees.

The document begins by describing significant overarching trends and scenarios affecting working society. It then sets out what is understood as Work 4.0 and the position of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs at the outset of the debate. The next part examines the challenges of this new environment and provides an overview of key areas for action and some questions, along with the Ministry's reflections based on the individual action areas. The following section focuses on the role of the actual institutions of the social state in a well-designed Work 4.0 environment. These institutions include labour law, workers' representation, collective bargaining law, occupational health and safety and working time legislation, legislation relating to the promotion of employment, and statutory pension and accident insurance. The final part of the report delineates how the Work4.0 dialogue process is structured and what it aims to achieve. The dialogue will culminate in a White Paper on Work 4.0 in late 2016, reflecting on the conclusions emerging from the debate.