Understanding the impacts of technology on the

workforce.
One of the most significant impacts of technology on the workforce is
the automation of repetitive tasks. Automation has led to the
development of machines that can perform tasks that were previously
done by humans. This has led to increased productivity and efficiency,
but it has also led to the displacement of workers in some industries.
For instance, robots have replaced assembly line workers in factories,
and self-checkout counters have replaced cashiers at retail stores.

Another significant impact of technology on the workforce is the

creation of new jobs. With the development of new technologies, there
is a growing demand for workers with technical skills such as
programming, software development, artificial intelligence, and
machine learning. The rise of e-commerce has also created new job
opportunities in logistics, transportation, and warehousing. Thus,
technology has not only replaced some jobs but also created new
ones, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics (STEM).

However, this has not led to an automatic win-win situation. Here

comes the aspect of income inequality - the jobs created by
automation and technology often require specific skills or education,
which can make them inaccessible to some workers, leading to wage
inequality between different sectors and skills.
Moreover, technology has also led to the rise of the gig economy,
where individuals use digital platforms to offer their services to
consumers on a short-term basis, creating uncertainty and insecurity
for some workers. While gig work can offer some flexibility to freelance
workers and the people's skills that are very suitable for short term
jobs, it might lead to a less stable income source to some.

In conclusion, technology has had profound impacts on the workforce.

Its effect on jobs and the workforce remains a debatable issue that
requires attention and careful management. While technology can lead
to significant productivity growth and new job opportunities,
policymakers need to address the potential negative consequences of
automation, income inequality, and insecurity in the gig economy.
Technology is a significant tool and great advancements in AI and
automation will continue to happen, however, proper measures must
be taken to address potential negative impacts.
Technology is often assumed to de facto improve productivity, and remove
‘dirty, dull and dangerous’ work from our societies. But this is not necessarily
the reality. Despite increasing digitalisation, productivity growth has sharply
declined across OECD countries over the past decades. It is down to how
businesses make decisions about the way they adopt technology that will
determine wider impacts.

This report demonstrates that there is a business case for taking a

responsible approach to the adoption of technology in the workplace. It also
demonstrates that there are moral, social and economic imperatives to
prioritising ‘good work’, which will see returns at the level of individual, firm
and society.