Employment challenges in the digital era- Review and reflection
The Digital revolution has a strong impact on the area of employment. It has given rise to concerns and has also fueled uncertainty among the present generation. Current technological developments have led to the reduction of the amount of work. It implies that the availability of jobs would reduce, and this technological transformation is going to change the nature of jobs. For example, workers today are considered salaried labor. This consideration or label can now change to independent workers due to the technological advancements. The idea of “waged employment” could be threatened as well. Hence, the present generation could fall prey due to constant job losses related to the advancements of ICTs along with the digital economy. However, it is worthy of consideration that ICTs have been instrumental in bringing structural and fundamental transformation in the social, organizational, and economic framework of the society (Soete, 2001).
Identifying the possibility of things getting easier or complicated
Due to technological advancements, automation of jobs can occur. The factory workers are most likely to get hit due to the automation of jobs. The possibility of displacement is present. Hence, things might get complicated due to the implications of digital technology. The highly-paid workers will be forced to leave their jobs. The low-paid workers will also be affected more deeply. Work tasks would be increasingly automated due to the advent of robotics and AI. Across various industries such as industrial, commercial, or scientific, automation has affected workers deeply (Hoos, 1960). Within the next 15 years, workplaces would have higher educational requirements, and employees with advanced skills would be preferred. On the positive side, the pace of work will change, and by 2030, unpaid labor within the global workforce will decrease as well. For instance, domestic activities carried out by women, such as cooking or cleaning, is likely to enter into the market.
Ways to incorporate upcoming generations in the workforce
The upcoming generation can be encouraged to enter into a technologically-driven workforce only after accepting the fact that their approach to work is not traditional. They are open to challenging environments and in order to keep them on the company’s payroll, it is necessary to encourage their impact or contribution in the workplace. This would be vital in order to gain a competitive advantage. They must be provided honest feedback along with an opportunity to showcase their talents. Again, flexibility in the workplace is highly recommended. The employers must be flexible in scheduling work-related duties and responsibilities. Since, the generation is comfortable with smartphones, computers, laptops and other smart devices; it would be feasible to maintain flexibility in the workplace. Their mobility should not be hampered and they must not feel confined in the workplace. Again, cultivating a positive relationship in the workplace so that perceptions and attitudes can be shaped is also the need of the hour (O’Bannon, 2001). Particularly, a strong American workforce can be built by maintaining ethical standards in the workplace and encouraging individualistic spirits.
References
Hoos, I. R. (1960). The impact of office automation on workers. Int’l Lab. Rev., 82, 363.
O’Bannon, G. (2001). Managing our future: The generation X factor. Public Personnel Management, 30(1), 95-110.
Soete, L. (2001). ICTs, knowledge work and employment: The challenges to Europe. Int’l Lab. Rev., 140, 143.