The Future of Work and the Role of Labour Inspection and Guidance in Türkiye in the Post-COVID-19 Period

The International Labour Organization (ILO) Office for Türkiye has published a new report entitled “The role and future of labour inspection and guidance in the future of work and in post COVID-19 period in Türkiye.” The report addresses the transformations taking place in working life due to technological change, remote working, and the expansion of atypical forms of employment, while presenting policy recommendations on how labour inspection systems can be strengthened and better prepared for the future.

While these developments create new opportunities for both workers and employers, they also bring increasingly complex challenges related to compliance with labour legislation, occupational safety and health, work-life balance, and the protection of workers’ rights. In this context, the report highlights the areas where labour inspection should focus its inspection and guidance functions within the evolving world of work.

A Comprehensive Analysis of the Transforming World of Work

The report is based on a literature review, analysis of national legislation, and international case studies, as well as findings gathered through interviews, focus group discussions, and surveys conducted with labour inspectors, social partners, and private sector representatives. Using both qualitative and quantitative data, the study analyses the emerging dynamics shaping working life in Türkiye.

The findings demonstrate that labour inspection, supported by digital tools and social dialogue, plays a critical role in promoting decent work in the future of work.

Key Findings of the Study

1. Non-standard forms of work are creating new challenges

Remote work, the platform economy, and flexible employment models are challenging traditional labour law and occupational safety and health practices, while generating new risks in terms of compliance and the protection of workers’ rights.

2. Digitalization presents both opportunities and risks

Big data, artificial intelligence, and digital inspection tools have the potential to increase the effectiveness of labour inspection by complementing on-site workplace inspections. However, additional efforts are needed regarding data sharing, transparency, and privacy issues.

3. Platform work stands out as a specific area of focus

Clarifying roles and responsibilities in platform and remote work arrangements is essential for ensuring effective inspection processes and stronger protection of workers.

4. International practices provide important guidance

Data-driven inspection approaches, inter-institutional cooperation models, and innovative inspection methods developed in different countries provide valuable reference points.

Policy Recommendations and Future Steps

The report presents policy recommendations for strengthening the labour inspection system in Türkiye and enhancing its role in the future of work, particularly in the following priority areas:

• Addressing regulatory uncertainties related to atypical forms of work
• Strengthening capacities for remote and digital inspection practices
• Enhancing labour inspectors’ competencies in atypical work, emerging risks, and technology in the context of the future of work
• Strengthening the role of social partners
• Increasing inter-institutional cooperation and communication
• Developing emergency action plans for extraordinary situations such as pandemics

The report emphasizes that strengthening cooperation among public authorities, social partners, and other stakeholders, together with reinforcing proactive approaches, is of critical importance for enhancing the labour inspection system in Türkiye and ensuring sustainable workplace compliance in the future of work.

About the Project

The project entitled Workplace Compliance through Labour Inspection Guidance and Social Dialogue” has been implemented since March 2023 in cooperation between the International Labour Organization (ILO) as the implementing partner and the Directorate of Guidance and Inspection (DoGI) of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MoLSS) as the beneficiary institution. The project is funded under the European Union Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III).

The project aims to contribute to ensuring a more decent working environment for all women and men in Türkiye. In this context, activities are carried out to strengthen the institutional capacities of the Directorate of Guidance and Inspection and social partners, enhance guidance activities, and increase awareness on decent work in order to improve workplace compliance.