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Future of Work in Health Faculty Fellows Program

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Center for Future Work Places and Practices

The newly formed Virginia Tech Center for Future Work Places and Practices will use transdisciplinary research related to the design, development, and deployment of future work spaces, processes, and domains, with an emphasis on human-centered approaches, to focus on the individual and the broader workplace.

In research areas and education opportunities, the center will emphasize transdisciplinary expertise at the intersection of domains such as technology, design, policy, and economics. For example, the center will provide frameworks for a new social contract for work that enables people to obtain a living income, engage in meaningful and safe work, have a healthy work-life balance, and steward environmental resources.

Join the Center for Future Work Places and Practices

Workforce Development

Workforce development encompasses activities and programs designed to create a skilled labor force that meets current and future market demands.

Addressing the skills gap between workers and employers.
Preparing the workforce for rapid technological advancements like AI and automation.
Strengthening STEM education.
Promoting lifelong learning.
Ensuring an inclusive workforce development program.

Health in Workplace

Health and well-being in the workplace encompass physical and mental aspects essential for employee productivity and satisfaction.

Developing innovative solutions for mental health support.
Ergonomic design.
Integrated wellness programs.
Examining the impacts of flexible work arrangements and work-life balance policies.

Responsible Technologies at Work

Responsible technologies refer to the ethical and sustainable design, development, deployment, and use of technology to minimize adverse impacts on society, the environment, and individuals.

Developing ethical AI.
Protecting privacy.
Ensuring digital rights and inclusion.
Enhancing cybersecurity and trust.
Promoting environmental sustainability.
Adopting human-centered design principles.

Sustainable Work

Making work sustainable involves creating practices and policies that promote long-term health, productivity, and employee well-being while considering environmental and economic sustainability.

Adopting green technologies and practices.
Encouraging remote work and flexible scheduling.
Implementing sustainable commuting options while fostering employee well-being and supporting continuous learning.