• 3,000 firms
  • Independent
  • Trusted
Save up to 70% on staff

News » Workplace AI, robots harm employee well-being: UK study

Workplace AI, robots harm employee well-being: UK study

Photo from the Institute for the Future of Work

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — A new study from the Institute for the Future of Work has found that exposure to artificial intelligence (AI), robots, and tracking devices in the workplace negatively impacts employees’ quality of life. 

The think tank surveyed nearly 5,000 people to analyze the effect of three increasingly prevalent technology categories on worker well-being.

The study revealed that interaction with AI and machine learning software, wearable trackers, and robotics correlated with worse health and well-being. 

In contrast, more established tools like laptops, tablets, smartphones, and instant messaging had a positive impact.

The authors suggested that “such technologies may exacerbate job insecurity, workload intensification, [routinization] and loss of work meaningfulness, as well as disempowerment and loss of autonomy, all of which detract from overall employee wellbeing.”

Lead author and sociologist Magdalena Soffia emphasized that the context and implementation of the technologies, rather than the tools themselves, likely drive the negative outcomes. 

“We don’t want to claim that there is some sort of determinism in what technology causes, in terms of wellbeing,” she said. 

“We say it really depends on the context: on lots of structural factors, on environmental conditions, how it is designed and how it is deployed. So lots of human decisions.”

The study used the EuroQoL EQ-5D-3L, a validated measure of quality of life that assesses factors like mobility, mental health, and pain levels.

“Our work and our wellbeing – individually and corporately – are interconnected, and as the future of work is impacted by new technologies, so we must pay due attention to wellbeing impacts at work,” the report said.

Goldman Sachs economists have warned that AI could automate 300 million jobs out of existence by 2030. 

Read more here.

Start your
journey today

  • Independent
  • Free
  • Transparent

About OA

Outsource Accelerator is the trusted source of independent information, advisory and expert implementation of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)

The #1 outsourcing authority

Outsource Accelerator offers the world’s leading aggregator marketplace for outsourcing. It specifically provides the conduit between Philippines outsourcing suppliers and the businesses – clients – across the globe.

The Outsource Accelerator website has over 5,000 articles, 450+ podcast episodes, and a comprehensive directory with 4000+ BPO companies… all designed to make it easier for clients to learn about – and engage with – outsourcing.

About Derek Gallimore

Derek Gallimore has been in business for 20 years, outsourcing for over eight years, and has been living in Manila (the heart of global outsourcing) since 2014. Derek is the founder and CEO of Outsource Accelerator, and is regarded as a leading expert on all things outsourcing.

“Excellent service for outsourcing advice and expertise for my business.”

Learn more
Banner Image
Get 3 Free Quotes Verified Outsourcing Suppliers
3,000 firms.Just 2 minutes to complete.
SAVE UP TO
70% ON STAFF COSTS
Learn more

Connect with over 3,000 outsourcing services providers.

Banner Image

Transform your business with skilled offshore talent.

  • 3,000 firms
  • Simple
  • Transparent
Banner Image