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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.

Le secteur bancaire de détail est un terrain fertile pour étudier les impacts de la digitalisation sur le travail et l’emploi. Les services financiers sont de plus en plus fournis en ligne, sans l’intermédiaire d’institutions en contact avec la clientèle. De nombreuses banques du secteur subissent une restructuration en série depuis la crise financière mondiale, et c’est l’un des rares secteurs des services à connaître un emploi stagnant ou en déclin. En plus des évolutions technologiques dans la prestation des services, le secteur répond également à d’autres défis, notamment une charge réglementaire et de conformité accrue, la concurrence des fintechs, des taux d’intérêt bas et une rentabilité réduite. Les études de cas de ce rapport décrivent des exemples de récentes restructurations du secteur, ce qui a motivé cette restructuration, comment elle a été gérée et comment elle a affecté l’emploi, l’organisation du travail, ainsi que d’autres résultats commerciaux et salariaux.

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.