More Human Than Machine? The Effects of Depicting the Future of Work as Relational or Technological

Abstract

Technological advancements are changing the world of work and sparking widespread interest in the future of work. Research suggests that both technological skills (e.g., programming) and relational skills (e.g., empathy) will be valuable for future employment opportunities, but it is unclear what the future workforce believes about this. Psychological theories suggest that the extent to which people focus on the role of technological versus relational skills in the future of work would shape their emotional and behavioral responses. We predicted that, given the prominent role of technology in discussions about the future of work, people would under-recognize the future need for relational skills. Drawing on theories of socio- relational motivation and goal congruity, we further predicted that depicting the future of work as relational would prompt people, especially women, to feel more positively about it. However, we also predicted that people would prioritize the development of technological skills, even when the future of work was depicted as relational. We find general support for our ideas in two experiments. By understanding people’s beliefs about the future of work and how reactions differ among social groups, researchers and practitioners will be better able to help the future workforce prepare for a changing world.