Last week, we co-hosted the conference “Work Environment in the Digital Age: Algorithms, AI, and Collaboration” together with European Agency for Safety and Health at Work.
The conference brought together occupational health and safety professionals from across Denmark. Throughout the day, one point stood out clearly. Algorithms and artificial intelligence already shape how work is organised. Therefore, the key question is how organisations can ensure transparency, security, and good working conditions as digital systems become part of everyday work.
Setting the scene
Steffen Bohni Nielsen from the National Research Centre for the Working Environment moderated the day. He framed the discussions and guided participants through the programme, which helped keep a strong focus on both practice and research.
Research, regulation, and real-world cases
Several speakers contributed strong and complementary perspectives.
- First, Kasper Edwards from the Technical University of Denmark shared insights into how algorithmic management influences production, decision making, and work organisation.
- Next, Vibe Westh from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work presented findings from the campaign Safe and Healthy Work Environment in the Digital Age 2023–2025. She emphasised the importance of early prevention, clear policies, and equal access to knowledge.
- After that, Rúni Bláfoss and Markus Due Jakobsen, both from the National Research Centre for the Working Environment, focused on how organisations can integrate occupational health and safety into algorithm based warehouse systems. They presented the case When the Boss is an Algorithm.
- Finally, Tommy Søjberg Wiborg from Plaain ApS shared practical examples from the public sector. He showed how well designed algorithms can support more realistic, sustainable, and fair work schedules.
- The day concluded with a joint dialogue between Mina Bernardini from the Confederation of Danish Employers and Ann-Beth Kirkegaard from the Danish Trade Union Confederation. Together, they highlighted the importance of close collaboration between labour market stakeholders as digitalisation accelerates.
Key takeaway
The main takeaway from the conference was clear. Digitalisation strengthens the work environment only when organisations combine technology with transparency and collaboration.
Thank you to all speakers, participants, and the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work for a thoughtful and forward looking conference.
