Digitalisering

Automation and digitisation technologies, including artificial intelligence, are rapidly evolving and becoming increasingly powerful and pervasive. The full range of their effects in the workplace is yet to be seen. It is, however, important not only to explore the ethical implications of digital technologies and the effects of such technologies on working conditions as they emerge, but also to anticipate any unintended effects that raise new ethical challenges. Using a variety of research methods and building on previous research on the digital workplace, this report examines the many ramifications of digital technologies in the workplace, looking at the fundamental rights and ethical principles most at stake and the areas of working conditions most likely to be affected.

Detailbanksektoren er frugtbar grund til at studere digitaliseringens indvirkning på arbejde og beskæftigelse. Finansielle tjenester leveres i stigende grad online, uden mellemled fra kundeorienterede institutioner. Mange banker i sektoren har gennemgået gentagne omstruktureringer siden den globale finanskrise, og det er en af de få servicesektorer med stagnerende eller faldende beskæftigelse. Ud over de teknologiske ændringer i, hvordan tjenester leveres, reagerer sektoren også på andre udfordringer, herunder øget regulatorisk og compliance-byrde, konkurrence fra fintech samt lave renter og reduceret rentabilitet. Casestudierne i denne rapport beskriver eksempler på nylige omstruktureringer i sektoren, hvad der motiverede omstruktureringen, hvordan den blev håndteret, og hvordan den påvirkede beskæftigelse, arbejdsorganisation og andre forretnings- og medarbejderresultater.

Research into the transformative potential of the digital revolution tends to take a quantitative approach in an attempt to monitor changes in employment levels due to digitalisation. The fear of potential job losses and negative disruption brought about by digital technologies has permeated the policy debate on digitalisation. In contrast, this report, based on case study research, takes a more qualitative approach to exploring the impact of selected digital technologies (internet of things, 3D printing, and virtual and augmented reality) in the workplace. While digital technologies can bring many opportunities and have been shown to be beneficial for both workers and organisations, there is a need to put safeguards in place to ensure employee data protection and privacy. A well-functioning social dialogue is also key to reaping the benefits of digital technologies and preventing – or minimising – any negative outcomes.

New digital technologies have expanded the possibilities of employee monitoring and surveillance, both in and outside the workplace. In the context of the increasing digitalisation of work, there are many issues related to employee monitoring that warrant the attention of policymakers. As well as the often-cited privacy and ethical concerns, there are also important implications for worker–employer relations, as digitally enabled monitoring and surveillance inevitably shift power dynamics in the workplace. Based on input from the Network of Eurofound Correspondents, this report explores the regulatory approaches to workplace monitoring in Europe, and the many challenges arising from the use of new digital technologies. Drawing from empirical and qualitative research, the report also provides some insight into the extent of employee monitoring in Europe and the implications for job quality and work organisation.