Work is, without doubt, changing. But it is all too easy to become seduced by the breathy and futuristic accounts of these changes which we see in newspapers, journals and books. We also need to assess, in a sober way, how many of these changes are real and permanent, rather than illusory and temporary. The future of work - for many - opens up opportunities for creativity, networking, autonomy and personal fulfilment. For others, routine, low quality and, perhaps, unhealthy work is what lies ahead. The Work Foundation is playing a central role in ensuring that the UK can shape the future of work to our competitive advantage.