Next generation work
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.
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.
October 13, 2025
The war for talent calls for a different kind of effort
The war for highly educated talent remains fierce, even in times of economic uncertainty. While HR professionals pull out all the stops, many vacancies stay unfilled. Maybe it is time for a different approach: broaden your horizon to include international talent and start building relationships with future professionals while they ...
August 25, 2025
Work shouldn’t just pay, it must remain worthwhile
The Belgian government reached a compromise on the much-discussed summer agreement. It introduces several major ...
July 08, 2025
Learning and feedback: how do you create a working culture?
Learning and feedback are inseparably connected—not just in theory, but above all in practice. What ...
July 02, 2025
Why isn't there a heat plan for work, the labor ...
Heatwaves in Flanders not only cause physical discomfort but also expose how vulnerable our infrastructure ...
Events
February 03, 2026
Strategy & innovation challenge: What can you learn from innovation in the ...
Get an exclusive look inside the success of youth sensation ‘#LikeMe’ and their innovation challenges. Engage in dialogue, learn and network with experts and peers. ...
March 20, 2026
Webinar: How leadership develops through learning and experience
Leadership is not an innate talent. You develop it by trying, growing, and sometimes failing ...
More info & registration
News
January 28, 2026
Bart Willocx named Public Manager of the Year
Bart Willocx, AMS alumnus of the Master in Public Management and President of the Antwerp Court of Appeal, named Public Manager of the Year 2026. ...
December 02, 2025
Antwerp Management School and BDO Belgium join forces for a ...
Antwerp Management School and BDO Belgium enter into a three-year strategic partnership to strengthen the ...
November 17, 2025
Antwerp Management School awarded ‘Pioneering Employer’ label for its focus ...
Antwerp Management School has been recognized as a Pioneering Employer 2026, a label awarded to ...
November 14, 2025
Trends Impact Awards celebrate sustainable entrepreneurship in Belgium
The Trends Impact Awards recognize organizations that have successfully translated their sustainability strategies into concrete ...
