Résumé en anglais

This paper looks at the notion of work historically and how new meanings have enriched this notionover centuries. It then analyses the importance Europeans give to the concept of work, and presents theongoing discourse on technological revolution and its impact on work and employment. The paper thenexamines the future of work in the coming decades in the light of three broad scenarios, which arecompeting to present a mid-term view of the future of work. First, the consequences of a scenario called“dismantling the labour law” are considered. Second, the validity of the propositions announcing theend of work within the scope of automation and digitalization (scenario of the technological revolution)are examined. Finally, a third scenario, the “ecological conversion”, which seems to be the mostcompatible with the need to combat the unbearable features of our present model of development andseems capable of satisfying the expectations placed on work is examined. It is this third scenario –“ecological conversion” – that seems best able to respond to the high expectations that Europeanscontinue to place on work while ensuring the continuation of our societies.