The Guardian starts a year-long reporting project focused on AI, labor, and influence.

On Tuesday, The Guardian inaugurated an expansive editorial series that delves into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on work and power dynamics both in the United States and internationally. This comprehensive year-long reporting initiative, titled Reworked, is dedicated to placing the experiences of workers—rather than the perspectives of tech executives or speculative forecasts—at the forefront of this pivotal economic transition.

This series builds upon The Guardian’s already established and robust coverage of technology’s human impact. The series seeks to challenge the prevalent binary narrative surrounding AI—that it is either destined to create widespread joblessness or essentially carries no risk at all. It will document firsthand how millions of Americans, across various fields, are currently engaging with or being managed by AI-driven systems, exploring how these technologies are actively reshaping their jobs, autonomy, and future prospects.

From operations in Amazon warehouses and healthcare facilities to the creative environments of Hollywood writers’ rooms, AI is playing a significant role in determining scheduling, human resources procedures, compensation, promotions, and the creative processes of employees. The Guardian’s upcoming investigations will focus on both the hurdles and achievements brought about by these AI systems, while posing a fundamental question: who holds the authority to dictate the deployment of these tools, and what interests do they ultimately serve?

The series is under the direction of Samantha Oltman, who is an award-winning editor, former editor-in-chief of Recode, editorial director at Vox, and co-host of the investigative podcast, Sabotage. The Guardian’s Reworked series aims to provide insightful on-the-ground reporting and commentary from various parts of the United States and beyond, examining how the onset of an era characterized by relentless work is a cautionary tale for all, and how the related anxieties regarding AI—whether justified or not—are influencing career aspirations.

Financial support for Reworked comes, in part, from theguardian.org—a non-profit 501(c)3 dedicated to the promotion of independent journalism—as well as a partnership with the Omidyar Network. Importantly, all content produced by The Guardian retains its editorial independence.

Samantha Oltman, the Guardian’s AI and work editor, expressed her thoughts:
“Artificial intelligence is frequently portrayed as an unstoppable force traversing society on its own terms. However, the reality is that its implementation is guided by specific workplace choices made by employers, executives, and policymakers. These decisions shape who gains, who incurs risk, and who has influence—and they warrant careful examination. By prioritizing workers’ actual experiences over the sensationalism and fears surrounding AI, we can gain a clearer insight into how AI is transforming workplaces and what real agency might look like in this evolving landscape.”

Nicole Kotzen, the executive director of theguardian.org and senior vice president of development at The Guardian, remarked:
“Theguardian.org is committed to ensuring that significant stories—especially those that shape the future of our democracy and economy—receive the thorough, thoughtful reporting they rightfully deserve. Philanthropic support empowers us to undertake ambitious initiatives like Reworked, enabling The Guardian to rigorously and independently explore the ways in which AI is affecting workers’ lives with urgency.”

Michele L. Jawando, president of the Omidyar Network, added:
“The revolution in AI is fundamentally a matter of power—who gets to dictate how these tools transform work, and whose interests they ultimately serve. Independent journalism that emphasizes the perspectives of those who work is vital to ensuring that our digital future reflects our collective humanity. We are honored to collaborate with The Guardian and theguardian.org on this essential reporting endeavor.”

About the Guardian
The Guardian operates as a global, reader-funded news platform that is dedicated to maintaining high-quality journalism and steadfast editorial independence. Established in 1821, it is well-known for its thorough reporting and insights on politics, the environment, social justice, sports, wellness, and culture, catering to a worldwide audience.

In the United States, The Guardian employs a team of over 100 editorial staff members across its offices in New York, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles. Its influential journalism attracts more than 40 million readers in the U.S. each month, solidifying its position as one of the leading news websites in the country. The Guardian’s U.S. newsroom has received numerous accolades, including the George Polk Award, Scripps Howard Award, Edward R. Murrow Award, and the Pulitzer Prize.

About theguardian.org
Theguardian.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity established by the Scott Trust in 2017, aimed at bolstering independent journalism on pressing global issues. The organization raises funds from individual donors and philanthropic foundations and allocates them to initiatives that facilitate public discourse and encourage citizen engagement on a range of matters such as climate change, human rights, global development, and inequality. For further information, visit theguardian.org.

Media Contact
Matt Mittenthal
Head of communications, US, The Guardian
matt.mittenthal@theguardian.com