Platform Work and AI in Focus During Meetings in Valencia

This week, representatives from the Swedish Agency for Work Environment Expertise visited the University of Valencia to follow up on two ongoing projects. Together with the research team, we discussed preliminary results and future steps.

Nader Ahmadi, Robert Ljung, and Axel Wiman are participating in meetings with the research group working on behalf of the agency. They are conducting two reviews on platform work and artificial intelligence.

Adrian Todoli, an expert from the University of Valencia, and his research team have been hired to carry out the work. Adrian is a professor of labour law and has extensive experience in this field. He has published several articles in international journals and a book titled Work in the Era of the Sharing Economy.

The research group is presenting a first draft of the report “Prevention of Occupational Health and Safety Risks in Platform Work.”

Occupational risk prevention at platform work

The first project focuses on identifying specific risk factors and suggesting ways to improve the work environment for platform workers. During the visit to Valencia, the team presented a draft report, summarising the knowledge gathered and giving preliminary analysis.

Robert Ljung, process lead analyst at the Swedish Agency for Work Environment Expertise.

– Platform work is an exciting and challenging sector. The preliminary results presented today give us valuable insights and confirm the importance of continuing this work, says Robert Ljung, leading analyst.

The next step is to analyse the results and propose concrete measures to address the identified risks. The final report is expected to be presented in the spring of 2025.

Ethical and legal challenges on the use of artificial intelligence management of workers

The second project looks at the ethical and legal aspects of using AI for management purposes. As AI and algorithms become more integrated into working life, the need for middle managers is reduced, and automated systems are used in recruitment, planning, monitoring, and performance evaluations.

AI has enabled companies to monitor and evaluate workers’ performance in great detail. However, this technology also has the potential to invade privacy by collecting and analysing personal data, which could influence decisions on hiring. This raises important questions about workers’ rights, privacy, and well-being, especially when AI is used to monitor and evaluate performance.

The research group is currently in the literature review phase, and the final report is expected to be presented in the spring of 2026.

Potential for Future Initiatives

Besides the project meetings, we also met with representatives from the university management to discuss the ongoing projects and share experiences and insights.

– We are very pleased with the collaboration so far in these projects and see potential for further cooperation in other areas, says Nader Ahmadi, Director-General.

Timeline

The project on preventing work environment risks in platform work is expected to be presented in spring 2025.

The AI project is planned to be presented in spring 2026.

Both reports will be published in Swedish and English.