IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute

The circular economy (CE) has for long been an important strategy for sustainable development, promoting resource efficiency through reduction, reuse, and recycle. There is also a growing expectation that the CE may provide new jobs. However, working life dimensions of the CE are often treated separately from environmental and economic concerns. This is unfortunate given the impact that a transition to CE may have on salient issues in working life, including on job security, skills needed, occupational health and safety management (OHSM) and the cooperation between social partners. The lack of integration of environmental, economic and social concerns in CE also risks impeding goal achievement in several policy areas.

The present review article synthesises the existing scientific knowledge on a sustainable working life in the transformation towards a CE, and based upon the synthesis, critically explores the knowledge needs in relation to CE and working life: barriers and enablers; labour market changes; OHSM; skills requirements; the role for social partners; and policy challenges. A total of 2487 peer reviewed journal articles were identified, with 27 articles included in the review.Future research should focus on creating and upscaling circular business models that promote transparency, collaboration, and value creation across supply chains, developing educational programs for stakeholders and the workforce. More research is required to evaluate existing policies, design effective policy frameworks, promote circular business models, and addressing employment opportunities and job security. Studies should also investigate how social partners can contribute to working life in the CE and identify necessary processes and agreements.