Work

From leadership to social security and beyond, digitalization is bringing about diverse innovation in the workplace. Technological advances like artificial intelligence, ever-more sophisticated robots and the availability of mass data are forcing us to rethink everything we have previously known as work.

The University of Zurich looks deeply into these changes with a goal to better understand the best outcomes for our workplaces. As digitalization accelerates, the questions and challenges that surround it have never been more timely, interesting or important as they are today.

Trends

Every day, people around the world experience the effects and opportunities of an increasingly digitalized workplace. There is a struggle not only for us to adapt quickly to new technology but equally for that technology to be easy for us to adopt.

There are also practical and moral questions to ask in a rapidly changing workplace. Where is human input still essential and how we can best value and share the gains of this new division of labour?

We must consider how human emotion, motivation and social connection can work hand in hand with digital technology to improve the world of work. After all, these are the very traits that define us as human. So how do we strike the right balance between the effects of digital technology on mental health while embracing new ways of working?

Why UZH

In this changing landscape our university has a huge opportunity to help both current and future generations adapt to a new world without leaving anyone behind.

The University of Zurich brings people together from fields including theology, law, informatics and social sciences with the firm belief that an interdisciplinary approach is vital in solving global challenges. Coupled with Zurich’s position as an international hub for business, the UZH is well-placed to help build a network from academics to industry authorities and anyone in between.

To date, the UZH has fostered over 40 successful projects and start-ups across education, human resources, finance and more with the use of AI, robotics and blockchain technology.