Chapter 5 The effect of Using ICT

Effects of ICT on Employment

ICT led to unemployment in many areas
• Manufacturing - robots have taken over many tasks and are much faster
• Computer controlled warehouses – automatic, does not need people
• Labor intensive work - printing industry and filing
• Many car workers have lost their jobs when companies introduced the use of robots
• Job done by clerical workers have been replaced by computers e.g calculation of payroll, issuing of invoices
etc.
• Less need for car park attendants as most car parks are now automated
• Increase in online banking and ATM have led to fewer cashiers being needed
• Fewer jobs available to workers involved in cheque processing
• Online shopping has also led to fewer workers being required
New jobs have been created in ICT
• Writing software
• Maintenance of robots
• Internet related jobs
• More jobs for systems analysts and programmers
• More jobs for web developers
• Computer technicians are required to install and service computer hardware
• Call centers have created more jobs for men and women
• Factory workers have had to retrain to gain following skills
• Maintenance of robot
• Quality control
• Programming robots
• Marketing
• Training other workers
Effects on People:
• People need to be retrained due to new technology
• Cleaner working environment (Robots have taken over many of the “dirty” manual tasks.
• De-skilling of workforce
• Computers can now do tasks that required high skill level
• Safer working environment
• Fewer manual tasks such as heavy lifting
Effect on Companies:
• Can employ less people
• Robots do not take holiday, get sick or need breaks
• Greater consistency in products made
Effects of ICT on Working Patterns
Part time working
This is when people only work a limited number of hours or work less than the normal full time hours.
Advantages to employer
• Workers can be used at busier times
• Help to attract or retain staff
• No need to spend money on training new people
Disadvantages to employer
• Extra cost on occasions when training has to be provided
• Organizing training have to fit in with when part time workers are at work

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Chapter 5 The effect of Using ICT

Advantages to workers
• They can organize their life outside work more easily
• Workers can continue in the job they have been used to doing
Disadvantages to workers
• Earn less per hour than full time workers
• Difficult to become part of pension scheme
Job Sharing
• Job sharing is where two people share a job that would normally be done by one person.
• This can be achieved by one person working when the other doesn’t
Advantages to employer
• Getting the skills of two workers for the price of one
• When business is busy can get two workers to work together
• If one worker is ill or on holiday part of the job is still done
Disadvantages to employer
• May need to spent on extra desks and equipment
• Extra training cost
Advantages to workers
• Greater enjoyment as problems can be shared
Disadvantages to workers
• Workers may not be satisfied as they have to share job with someone else
• Extremely organize in terms of handing over between two workers.
Flexible working hours
Or flexi time, give workers some choice about what times of day they work. They work the same number of hours
each week but they can choose when to do these hours considering other workers and employer’s needs
Advantages to employer
• Business be open for longer during the day
• Reduction of absenteeism
• Reduce the number of staff leaving for other jobs
Disadvantages to employer
• Take longer to organize system
• Some worker may work unsupervised during early or late times
Advantages to workers
• Can organize their working lives to suit their personal need
• Travelling to work can be cheaper if happens outside peak time
Disadvantages to worker
Extra pressure if required to work when others are not prepared to work
Compressed hours
Compressed hours working involves employees working the same number of hours but over shorter number of days.
Advantages
• Companies can work for longer hours
• Less absenteeism
• Workers earn the same amount

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Chapter 5 The effect of Using ICT

Disadvantages
• Long weekends
• Can get very tired and not be able to enjoy extra free time
Microprocessor-Controlled Devices in home
Microprocessors are found in many household devices. These devices could either be labour-saving devices, leisure or
more for connivance.
Positive Effect
• Leads to more leisure time since devices can be programmed to do tasks.
• More time to socialize.
• Becoming very sophisticated and can make use of embedded web technology.
• Save energy- switch off automatically
• Easier to program device rather than set timings & dates manually
Negative Effect
• Unhealthy diets
• People become lazy and rely on devices
• Dependency on technology increases
• More wasteful society since devices thrown away if they fail, not economic to repair
• Leaving on standby wastes resources
Health Problems
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
• This is when joints such a shoulders, wrist or fingers swell, causing pain
• Damage gets worse if left untreated
• Can lead to hand/arm immobility
CAUSES PREVNENTION
• TYPING FOR EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME • Take periodic breaks
• Typing with incorrect posture • Use ergonomic keyboard & mouse
• Clicking on mouse rapidly/extendedly, holding • Use a wrist rest
mouse incorrectly • Ensure sufficient space for comfortable work
• Working in a cramped space
Back Problem
Headaches are a potential consequence
CAUSES PREVENTION
• Not sitting upright while working • Take periodic breaks
• Sitting with poor posture • Use adjustable chairs with good back support
• Working in a cramped space • Sit upright with good posture
• Incorrect computer screen positioning • Keep feet flat on floor
Eye Problems
• Headaches are a potential consequence
CAUSES PREVENTION
• Staring at a computer for extended periods of • Take periodic breaks
time • Use TFT rather than CRT
• Working with poor room lighting • Use anti-glare screens
• Computer screen glare/flicker • Ensure good room lighting
• Dirt can cause eye strain • No direct light on screen
• Clean dirt
Skin Rash

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