Automation technologies are reshaping work, which has complex impacts on the wellbeing of workers. This paper by Bertha Rohenkohl and Jonathan Clarke reviews the literature on the impact of automation technologies on subjective wellbeing.

It explores automation risk, expectations of automation and technology adoption, analysing their effects on job and life satisfaction. While negative consequences of automation are commonly studied, our review uncovers potential for both positive and negative effects on wellbeing.

The United Kingdom’s labour market currently faces multiple challenges including low productivity, unfilled job posts, low workforce engagement, and deteriorating mental health in the working-age population.

This paper by Magdalena Soffia, Matthew Hall and Jolene Skordis explores how the Capability Approach—a framework assessing progress based on individuals’ opportunities to lead fulfilling lives— may offer insight into the causes of these challenges.

This paper by James Hayton provides a review of research on technology adoption, and its impact on work and workers. It summarises key strands of evidence about technology adoption, from the diffusion of innovations paradigm, rational choice models of technology adoption, the sociotechnical systems perspective, and the social construction of technology perspective. It then concludes with a description of the next phase of the research project within the Pissarides Review into the Future of Work and Wellbeing, which builds from this evidence.