How Tech in the Workplace Affects Us

Old School Tech vs. New Tech

At work, we’ve got the tech we’re used to, like laptops and messaging apps, and then there’s the new stuff—think AI, robots, and being watched while we work. A big study by some smart folks found that the usual tech we use makes most of us feel better about our jobs. But, the newer gadgets? Not so much.

What Happens When We Use Tech a Lot

The study asked over 6,000 people about their tech use at work. People who used AI and robots a lot tended to feel worse about their health and happiness. But those sticking with the old tech felt better about life.

Why New Tech Can Make Us Feel Lousy

Job Worries and Too Much Work

New tech brings up a lot of worries—like, will I still have a job? Or, why do I have to do even more work? When we don’t feel in control or valued at work, we’re not going to be happy. But if companies think carefully about how they bring in new tech, maybe it won’t feel so bad.

Wellbeing is Complicated

The study didn’t just ask if people were happy or not. It looked at things like whether they could move around easily, how they felt mentally, and if they were in pain. It shows that being okay with your job isn’t just about liking what you do.

The Upside of Old Tech

Making Work Easier

The usual tech at work helps us get our jobs done faster and feel good about what we achieve. This can make us happier overall, not just at work but in our personal lives, too.

Being Watched All the Time at Work

Why It’s Not Cool

Nobody likes the idea of being watched every second. People are worried, and they have a right to be. It’s why we need rules to make sure tech doesn’t make work feel like a high-security prison.

What’s Next for Work and Tech

How to Make It Better

A report called the Pissarides Review says we need to get smart about tech at work. With the right rules, we can use AI and the new stuff to make jobs better, not worse.

Let’s talk about how the tech we use at work is changing, from the stuff we’re cool with to the new tech that’s freaking some of us out. And how, if we’re smart about it, we can make sure tech makes our work life better, not tougher.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Does using laptops and messaging apps at work actually make employees happier?

• Yes, traditional tech like laptops and messaging apps has been linked to increased employee wellbeing. These tools help make work tasks easier and can lead to a better work-life balance.

• Why do AI and robots make some employees feel worse?

• The introduction of AI and robotics in the workplace often raises concerns about job security, increases in workload, and a decrease in job meaningfulness. These changes can make employees feel less in control and valued, negatively impacting their wellbeing.

• Can the negative effects of new workplace technologies be avoided?

• Yes, by carefully considering how to integrate these technologies into the workplace, companies can mitigate negative impacts. Thoughtful adoption that includes employee training and maintaining job security can help ease the transition to new technologies.

• How does constant monitoring with surveillance tech affect employees?

• Constant surveillance at work can create a stressful environment, making employees feel oppressed and monitored. This can significantly decrease job satisfaction and overall wellbeing.

• What role do regulations play in the future of workplace technology?

• Regulations are crucial for ensuring that new technologies are used in a way that benefits employees rather than harms them. Proper regulatory frameworks can help balance productivity gains with the need to protect employee wellbeing.

Sources The Guardian