PPMI has recently completed a study on Gender equality prospects in labour markets transformed by artificial intelligence and platform work, contracted by the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE). The study aimed to bridge extensive knowledge gaps in relation to gender inequality in the new economic realities transformed by digitalisation and deepen the understanding of opportunities and challenges for gender equality in labour markets, where AI-based technology is transforming how and where work is performed. The lack of evidence has posed significant challenges in determining the different needs and priorities of women and men that the management of technological change should take into account.
The study results will be presented in the fothcoming EIGE’s report to the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which is estimated to be published in January 2022. This comprehensive report explores several important ways in which increasing use of AI-based technology is affecting the labour market. Specifically, we examine job automation and transformation, the tools for algorithmic management of the workforce, the emergence of new forms of work organisation (specifically, platform work) and AI impacts on reproduction of gender stereotypes, sexism, and discrimination. It also assesses working conditions, work patterns and work-life balance of women and men engaged in platform work, considering especially gender segregation, unequal treatment, discriminatory practices and COVID-19 impacts. The report also outlines the key regulatory challenges in the context of platform work and explores EU and national policy approaches to regulating platform work. Finally, it presents conclusions and policy recommendations.
Our study has drawn on statistical evidence and a unique online panel survey on working conditions, work patterns and work-life balance of close to 5,000 women and men engaged in platform work. The survey was designed and conducted in November-December 2020 in 10 selected Member States (DK, ES, FR, LV, NL, PO, RO, SI, SK, FI). The assessment of policy approaches to regulating platform work was carried out based on an EU-wide literature and data review and country-level research, including interviews with national stakeholders in the same 10 Member States. By making gender and intersectional inequalities visible and addressing top current issues, the study provides substantial material to the ongoing debate in key areas of policy-making.
