AI and Worker Involvement

So lets talk about AI and worker involvement...

Every October, during the European Work Environment Week (week 43), the focus is on creating a healthy working life. This year’s theme is health and safety in a digital age. To protect worker health and safety – introducing new technology is not so different from any other changes in the work environment which have the potential to positively or negatively impact the way work is organised and social relationships.

When changes in the workplace are on the horizon – workers can worry about different scenarios – for technology these include job security and the need to learn new tasks. While learning new skills can be an opportunity, it also increases mental workload, which can be challenging. Job insecurity can lead to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion. Additionally, using AI for social tasks can result in depersonalization and reduced social interaction, which is particularly problematic in fields that rely on complex human interactions.

In Europe, the health and safety directive outlines principles for risk prevention, safety and health protection, risk assessment, risk elimination, and the informing, consultation, and training of workers and their representatives. When introducing new technologies that have the potential to impact work organization or social relationships, it’s essential to assess potential health implications before making changes.

Worker involvement is crucial when introducing new systems or technology. Workers have valuable insights into day-to-day operations and potential pitfalls that new technology might overlook. Their firsthand experience can help identify stumbling blocks that may not be apparent to developers and executives. Workers whose tasks are being automated often have ideas about which tasks they would like automation to assist with. A bottom-up perspective can empower workers and alleviate tasks that burden their health and energy. Importantly – it might also lead to the decision not to introduce a particular solution because the expected impact is uncovered as unfeasible once discussed with the experts i.e. workers who know best about their own and their customers needs.

Unions and worker representatives play a vital role in ensuring workers’ voices are heard. They advocate for fair practices, negotiate terms that protect workers’ rights, and ensure workers are given the time they need to learn and develop. By collaborating with businesses, unions can help create a balanced approach that benefits both the company and its employees. Here – it is important that the unions address the introduction of new technologies part of the working environment and not something separate.

Businesses can take several practical steps to involve workers. Establishing clear communication channels to gather feedback from employees at all levels is essential. Regular meetings and focus groups can provide valuable insights. Including worker representatives in decision-making processes related to AI implementation ensures that all perspectives are considered. This collaborative approach helps protect worker health and safety in the long term.

As advanced technology increasingly augments or replaces work tasks, involving workers is crucial. By leveraging employees’ insights and experiences, companies can identify potential risks, create a balanced and fair transition process and foster acceptance of new technologies where they are deemed as appropriate to introduce. Worker involvement is also a legal obligation for employers.

The campaign for healthy workplaces in a digital age here: https://healthy-workplaces.osha.europa.eu/en/get-involved/european-week

Legislation: https://osha.europa.eu/en/legislation/directives/the-osh-framework-directive/1

For any questions/comments, kindly email digma@mdu.se