News & Events

Future of Work Survey Launch

In June of 2025, a team of Future of Work researchers launched a survey to better understand Michigan businesses, including their needs and concerns regarding workforce development, skills, technology, and the changing landscape of work. We hope that this survey will help MSU researchers conduct cutting-edge research on issues that matter to local businesses and their workers.

Allison Pugh Book Talk

On April 22^nd, 2025, we welcomed Dr. Allison Pugh to discuss her new book, The Last Human Job, in which she argues for preserving human connection at work in the age of AI. Dr. Pugh describes the concept of “connective labor,” which is a type of labor that is characterized by human connection and mutual understanding. Connective labor is threatened by advances in automation and AI, but also by companies that choose to maximize profits instead of designing jobs that center workers and their well-being. She includes steps that companies can take to design work that prioritizes employees’ social health and connectivity. Dr. Pugh is a renowned sociologist, Professor at John Hopkins University, and the Vice President of the American Sociological Association.

Sarah Fox Guest Talk

On April 18th, 2025, we welcomed Dr. Sarah Fox, who spoke about worker-centered design. Worker-centered design is an approach that emphasizes the well-being and input of employees, aiming to enhance not only productivity but also cooperation, autonomy, and fulfillment. Drawing on ongoing ethnographic and design research, she discussed two distinct cases in sectors facing different forms of technological change: 1) public transportation, for which autonomous vehicle technologies are being developed; and 2) hospitality, which regularly employs algorithmic management. Across these sites, Dr. Fox described labor-aligned efforts to evaluate the impacts of AI technologies on work practices and to develop methods and tools to ensure that working people have a voice in the creation, integration, and governance of technologies in their workplaces. Dr. Fox is an Assistant Professor at Carnegie Mellon University in the Human Computer Interaction Institute, where she directs the Tech Solidarity Lab.

Summer Research Incubator

In July of 2024, we hosted twelve doctoral students from around the country for an interdisciplinary, week-long deep dive into the future of work. Students took part in workshops with MSU professors, visited research labs and local organizations, and learned from distinguished panelists and guest speakers. Future of Work coordinated with Drs. Daisy Chang and Quinetta Roberson to plan this event, with funding provided by the MSU College of Social Science and the Butler Endowment Fund. Students were inspired to build their skills and expand their research through exposure to interdisciplinary perspectives and site visits. They heard from faculty in Economics, HRLR, Psychology, Management, and Media & Information Science about how to build research partnerships, how to ask important research questions, how to navigate the publication process, and more. They also heard from Erin Eatough of Fractional Insights, Inc., about communicating research with impact. Cindy Kangas from the Capital Area Manufacturing Network spoke to the group about the world of manufacturing and facilitated our visits to Ionetix and Alro Steel. Jim Curran from Great Lakes Reality Labs gave us a tour and inside look at their cutting-edge studios. The week wrapped up with a keynote lecture from distinguished sociologist Mitchell Stevens from Stanford University, who spoke about the future of education in a changing world.

Students visited Alro Steel to learn about how Alro has adapted to changing environments

Students visit Dr. Ratan’s SPARTIE Lab

Students pose with MSU faculty who served as presenters, speakers, and panelists

2024 Future of Work Convening

In March of 2024, we hosted a convening to bring together researchers, industry leaders, educators, and community partners to drive conversation about how to address challenges related to the changing landscape of work and the rise of AI and automation. Co-organized by Dorothy Carter, Nathan Carter, and Tara Behrend, with opening remarks from CSS Dean Brent Donnellan and Interim Provost Thomas Jeitschko, the day featured flash talks from psychology, economics, geography, law, HRLR, supply chain management, education, construction management, and engineering; and lively discussions from all 70 attendees. Janet Lillie, MSU Assistant Vice President for Community Relations, delivered a keynote that described the landscape of Michigan workforce development leaders. A closing keynote from Dr. Ruth Watkins, President of the Strada Education Network, challenged attendees to re-envision the future of the land grant university and how we can better serve working learners of the future. Additionally, we hosted a poster competition for MSU doctoral students studying future of work topics.

Dr. Behrend introduces Drs. Carter, Chang, Mollaoglu, and Srivastava as part of a panel discussion

Wenjia Cao, a doctoral student in economics, presents her winning research poster on AI and skill groups

Leaders from Capital-area workforce and education organizations gather to share their expertise