Next generation work

Focus Research projects Tools & Publications Partners Team

Working longer, robotization, digitization, computerization, changing demands and standards of employees etc. The current labor model is constantly changing. This presents organizations, employees and society as a whole with major challenges.

In the context of “Future of work”, we carry out research and give advice on challenges of the labor market, labor organization, social dialogue, the future of jobs, sustainable HRM and sustainable careers. Together with our partners, we develop a sustainable vision on the future of work, focusing on the importance of co-creation and taking into account the vision of all stakeholders. The individual/employee, the team, the organization and the broader ecosystem are all addressed. Through state-of-the-art academic and practical scientific research in collaboration with various partners and stakeholders, we arrive at practical recommendations and solutions to meet the challenges of the future labor market.

Overall research topics

Sustainable employability

Automation, digitization, globalization: varying trends in the VUCA (Volatile-Uncertain-Complex-Ambiguous) world are changing our jobs and the way we work. This means that organizations and employees need different expertise and skills to keep up with this changing world. Sustainable employability and inclusion are thus more important than ever, so we can meet the challenges of the future.

Sustainable careers

Career policy is no longer about a static matching of employees with jobs, but rather about a dynamic approach to change, focusing on workability, employability, growth and connection in the short and long term. A successful and sustainable career policy ensures that employees and organizations reinforce each other. In addition, we need to be aware of the ever growing flexible and hybrid nature of careers, including topics such as freelance careers, managing ‘flexible talent’ and ‘co-sourcing’.

Within the chair 'Next generation work: Creating sustainable careers', AMS - in close cooperation with SDWorkx - conducts extensive research into sustainable careers.

How we strengthen the dialogue about work through multiple channels

We connect these research lines to current themes, trends, and challenges in the workplace, such as:

addressing taboos like menstruation, motherhood, menopause, part-time work among men, …
shaping social dialogue with trade unions and employee participation;
the impact of climate adaptation;
freelancing, gig work, and polyworking;
lifelong learning for blue-collar workers;
…

SD Worx Chair: Building Sustainable Careers

Since 2011,SD Worx and Antwerp Management School have joined forces in the Next Generation Work: Creating Sustainable Careers chair to research what sustainable careers mean today. Under the leadership of Professor Ans De Vos, we translate scientific insights into concrete tools for HR and business leaders. From total workforce strategies to learning culture and career mobility, we help organisations prepare for the future of work.

Co-creation as a driver of sustainable research

Together with our partners, we develop a future-proof vision of work. Co-creation is central to this approach: we incorporate the perspectives of all stakeholders, from individuals and teams to organisations and the broader ecosystem. In this way, we translate scientific insights into concrete, actionable solutions for the workplace of tomorrow.

We actively invite our partners to contribute to the valorisation of our research, for example through webinars or contributions to blog articles.

Discover how we work together with our partners to create more impact

De brug tussen onderzoek en opleiding

De inzichten uit ons onderzoek naar duurzame loopbanen en welzijn vertalen we ook naar het opleidingsaanbod van Antwerp Management School.

In onze HR-programma’s leren professionals hoe ze evidence-based HR-beleid kunnen vormgeven, met aandacht voor mens, organisatie én maatschappij.

Ontdek onze HR-programma's

May 28, 2026

by Peggy De Prins

What many organizations still misunderstand about the EU Pay Transparency Directive

“How much do you earn?” remains an uncomfortable question for many Belgians. Still, the EU Pay Transparency Directive will bring greater openness around pay. This blog discusses three misconceptions about the directive and explains what it means in practice for organizations and employees. ...

The millennial manager: why age-inclusive leadership is no longer optional

Age-inclusive leadership boosts motivation, engagement, and collaboration across generations. Discover the four pillars for leading ...

October 17, 2025

by Peggy De Prins, Bjorn Cuyt, directeur Antwerpen bij VDAB, Sabine Schellens, HR director bij Aquafin

Working longer? Here’s how to turn age into an asset ...

The labor market is aging, but persistent clichés and taboos around workers over 55 still ...

October 13, 2025

The war for talent calls for a different kind of ...

The war for highly educated talent remains fierce, even in times of economic uncertainty. While ...

Events

June 09, 2026

Three years of research on workplace wellbeing. What really works?

During the Wellbeing Works closing event, Professors Kathleen and Eva will present the key insights from their research to the public for the first time, conducted in collaboration with bpost, Elia, Pidpa, and Baloise. ...

News

May 21, 2026

Antwerp Management School and CM launch an experimental workplace lab to help ...

Antwerp Management School (AMS) and CM Gezondheidsfonds are launching a three year research partnership on workable work and setting up an experimental workplace lab. In this lab, 8 to 10 organizations across different sectors will test solutions for workload and work related stress through short, guided experiments, with a specific ...