5.

THE EFFECTS OF USING IT

ICT has had many effects upon our lives for the better and for the worse. The same goes for
employment. Some industries have seen a reduction in their workforce while others have seen
an increase. From offices to manufacturing, human tasks have been affected in some way by
electronic devices and their associated software.

AREAS OF EMPLOYMENT AFFECTED BY ICT

 Manufacturing: robots have replaced human workers e.g.: welding car bodies,
spraying metal items with paint, assembling the engine and manufacturing circuit
boards.

 Banking: more ATMs and online banking means less bank cashiers will be needed.

 Office work: spreadsheets, word processors, databases etc, have taken over many of
the tasks carried out by office staff

 Shop work: online shopping means few people will be needed to work in shops.

 Library work: people download e-books instead of going to the library

5.1 EFFECTS OF IT ON EMPLOYMENT

Negative effects of ICT on employment

 Unemployment / Loss of jobs: computers replace the human workers
 Spreadsheets: have replaced payroll clerks and use embedded formulas to
automatically calculate salaries/wages
 Word processors: make it easy to modify and update documents which are
then stored on hard disks rather than filing cabinets
 Databases: database software updates personnel data on regular basis taking
up the work of human resource.
 Computer controlled warehouse: automatic, does not need people
 Retraining: workers need to be trained to be able to use the computers
 Fewer workers needed to achieve the same amount of work
 Automation: in factories, robots do the work of people

Advantages of robots over people

o More consistent results e.g. car manufacturing: the cars are identical which
increases reliability and easier maintenance for customers
o Higher productivity in mass production factories
o They work non-stop without breaks or holidays
o They do not get bored by repetitive tasks
o They do not go on strike
Disadvantages of robots over people
o Expensive to buy and set up
 o Need to be reprogrammed for every new task and it can be expensive and
time-consuming

o Production errors are bound to occur if there is a programming error or

mechanical problem

Positive effects of ICT on employment

 Less paper work

 Less workers: computers do the work of many people and saves expenses in wages

 Connectivity: the internet means companies can share information, hold meetings in
different locations without leaving the office.

 Pleasant and safer to work offices as there are no noisy typewriters or dangers of
heavy, overfilled filing cabinets.

 Creation of jobs: human workers are needed to create and manage the computers

There is high need for better-trained people, trainers and creation of new ICT related work.

- Network managers/technicians: they make sure that computers on the network run
smoothly and are secure

- Website designers: they create commercial and personal websites and keep them up
to date

- Systems analysts: they design new ICT systems

- Computer programmers: they create all software that can be used on a computer

- Computer engineers: they build the high-tech computers we use today

- Delivery drivers: they deliver goods to customers

5.2 THE EFFECTS OF IT ON WORKING PATTERNS

Traditionally, people work 1 to 40 hours a week. The introduction of IT to workplace brought

many changes in the working patterns for staff or employees.
The 9 to 5 working day (normal-working day) has led to more flexible working patterns
which are:

Working Description Example

Pattern
Full- time This is the traditional working pattern where Five days a week, eight hours a
working staff work eight hours a day for five days, day, 8 AM to 5PM
from 8AM to 5PM
Part-time When a person is employed to work fewer Five days a week, four hours a
working hours than the normal working week. day, 10 AM to 2 PM

Flexible hours When employees work the full normal hours Five days a week, eight hours a
in a week but work at times which suit them day, 4PM to 12AM
and the employer.
Job-sharing Two or more employees doing the same job Five days a week, 20 hours each
but working at different times. worker
Worker 1: 9AM to 5PM, Monday
to Tuesday, 9AM to 1PM
Wednesday
Worker 2: 1PM to 5PM,
Wednesday, 9AM to 5PM
Thursday to Friday
Compressed When an employee works the full normal Four days a week, ten hours a day,
hours hours in a week but works fewer days. 8 AM to 7PM

Benefits of these different working patterns on staff/ employees

 More contented staff: they work hours that suit their lifestyle and or home
circumstances
 They can avoid rush-hour commuting in the morning and evening
 They become highly motivated

Benefits to the employer

 Reduced recruitment and training costs: when employees are contented, they are
likely to stay on the job hence the company would not need to spend money on
training new employees.
 The company can remain open for longer hours due to flexible hours
 Job sharing makes sure that the company has more than one person with special or
expertise skills
 Compressed hours may make staff to be more focused on their job
 Different work patterns gives flexibility during busy times and staff sick leaves

5.3. MICROPROCESSOR-CONTROLLED DEVICES IN HOME

Microprocessors are little computer chips used in electronic devices to control something.
There are modern devices which are microprocessor controlled that affect our lives in lots of
different ways including in our homes, our leisure time, and even how we interact socially.

These devices fall into two main categories being:

1. Labour-saving microprocessor-controlled devices

 Automatic washing machine
 Automatic dishwashers
 Bread-making machines
 Smart fridges and freezers
  Robotic vacuum cleaners
 Cookers
 Microwave ovens
2. Other microprocessor-controlled devices
 Television sets
 Alarm clocks
 Home entertainment systems
 Central heating and air conditioning systems

Microprocessor controlled devices allow people to do their daily tasks quicker. Therefore,
there will be more time for leisure and other things that they enjoy.

Advantages and disadvantages of labour-saving devices

Advantages Disadvantages

People no longer have to do manual work at home The devices do a lot of work for people and it is
and they can now spend more time on work-related easy for people to become lazy
tasks.

The devices reduce the amount of time taken to People become less fit as they no longer do much
complete everyday tasks and people are left with manual work because the microprocessor
more free time for leisure, hobbies, shopping etc controlled devices do the work for them

Ovens and central heating systems can be These devices can lead to unhealthy lifestyles as
controlled by smartphones while the owner is out people will depend on ready-made meals

People can lead healthy lives as smart fridges and There is potential to lose household skills as
freezers can order fresh and healthy food from microprocessor controlled devices do the tasks
supermarkets using internet connections people used to do in the past

Automated burglar alarms give a very sophisticated

level of intruder warning at all times.

Advantages and disadvantages of other microprocessor-controlled devices

Advantages Disadvantages

It is easy for people to contact and stay in touch Social-isolation can develop for people who
with friends and family would not leave their homes

Goods can be ordered over the internet and The devices can be complex to people who are
delivered to homes and people never have to leave not very confident around electronics
their homes

The devices save energy and efficient as they can Leaving the devices on stand-by can waste
switch themselves off after being inactive for some electricity
time

These devices can be programmed to do tasks, eg;

rather than having to turn knobs and pressing
buttons on an oven, the food packaging can be
scanned and the oven will automatically select the
cooking programme

5.4: POTENTIAL HEALTH PROBLEMS RELATED TO THE PROLONGED USE

OF IT EQUIPMENT
A health aspect is more generally how to stop people becoming ill or being affected by daily contact
with computers. The table below shows common safety risks.

ISSUE CAUSE PREVENTION

Eye strain Staring at computer  Look away from the monitor at
screen too long. regular intervals – re-focus on distant
or close objects to exercise the
muscles in the eye.
 Take regular breaks.
 Use an anti-glare filter in front of the
monitor to cut down on screen
reflections that can also tire the eyes
Back and Neck Bad sitting posture.  Use an adjustable, ergonomic chair,
Ache and take the time to set it up properly.
 The computer keyboard and monitor
should be at the correct height for the
seated person (keyboard lower than
the elbow, top of monitor at eye
level).
 Take regular breaks: get up, walk
around, and stretch your muscles.
Repetitive Strain typing and using a mouse  Use a wrist-rest to support the wrists
Injury (RSI) in for long periods while typing and when using the
Wrists and Hands mouse.
 Take regular breaks from typing or
using the mouse.
 Maintain correct posture.
Headaches Incorrect lighting, screen  Use an anti-glare screen.
reflections, flickering  Take regular breaks.
screens.