With the rise in AI and automation, the million-dollar question is ‘what will we do, if not work?’ Around the world, many people find their sense of purpose through work. People ask us ‘what do you do?’ and we answer only with our jobs, not our hobbies or anything else.

The psychological impact of loss of employment is of great concern. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs demonstrates that we need self-actualisation to be fulfilled. Self-actualisation can encompass many things, including a sense of purpose. Psychologists have shown that a loss of purpose is one of the core elements leading to depression in unemployed individuals. Unemployment threatens Maslow’s hierarchy of needs from the top down: reducing self-esteem, straining relationships and threatening safety and basic physiological needs in the worst cases. Therefore, it is imperative that a sense of purpose is replaced in a post-work era. But where will we find this purpose?

Many have suggested finding people alternative means of employment – afterall perhaps even a pointless task is better than nothing. But the effects of this are unknown and may still result in depression caused by meaninglessness. Throughout history, until the early part of the last century, religion was an integral aspect of most people’s lives. Whilst in many countries, this is still the case, in the Western world, the importance of religion has been in decline.

Often we look at religion as a negative factor responsible for wars, conflict and prejudice, but perhaps we are unfair. Religion brings comfort to many, improves your life expectancy and often provides a good base set of morals to live by. But most importantly, religion also gives a great sense of purpose. Like many things, maybe religion is best in moderation. Most people would agree, that extremism in any form can be negative. Therefore, perhaps a return to a religion that gives purpose, community and morality is important in a post-work age. But it is up to the religious institutions of today to prepare themselves for that change. They must become an organisation that people can turn to, and they must foster an image of inclusivity and charity that will welcome the unemployed.