Study finds workplace AI, robots, and trackers diminish quality of life

Thinktank suggests that technology like laptops, tablets, and instant messaging has a more positive effect on wellbeing

A study by the Institute for the Future of Work suggests that exposure to new workplace technologies, including trackers, robots, and AI-based software, negatively impacts people’s quality of life. The think tank analyzed the impact on well-being of these technologies based on a survey of over 6,000 individuals, finding that increased exposure to technologies in these categories led to poorer health and well-being among workers.

In contrast, the use of well-established information and communication technologies (ICTs) like laptops, tablets, and instant messaging at work generally had a positive effect on well-being.

“We observed that quality of life improved with increased interaction with ICTs, while it deteriorated with more frequent interaction with newer workplace technologies,” the report stated.

While the authors did not delve into the direct causes, they noted that their findings aligned with prior research indicating that “such technologies may worsen job insecurity, increase workload, lead to more routine tasks, reduce the meaningfulness of work, and diminish empowerment and autonomy, all of which can impact employee well-being negatively.”

Economists at Goldman Sachs speculated last year that by 2030, the development of generative AI could result in the automation of 300 million jobs globally, with many other roles undergoing significant transformation.

The study’s lead author, Dr. Magdalena Soffia, emphasized that the issue lies not necessarily with the technologies themselves, but rather with how they are implemented.

“We’re not suggesting that there’s a deterministic effect of technology on well-being,” she explained. “It really depends on the context, including various structural factors, environmental conditions, the design, and the deployment of the technology. So, many human decisions are involved.”

She noted that the researchers utilized the EuroQoL EQ-5D-3L, a well-established measure of quality of life, which assesses factors such as mobility, mental health, and pain levels.

“We aimed to provide a more comprehensive, nuanced understanding of well-being. Therefore, we utilized this measure, which is highly validated and commonly used by the UK public health sector,” Soffia explained.

Regarding the positive impact on quality of life from ICTs, she suggested, “One potential mechanism is that they streamline work processes and make them more efficient. This, in turn, can provide a sense of achievement.”

In contrast, the results concerning trackers and surveillance technologies align with recent concerns raised by trade unions and advocates regarding the detrimental effects on workers subject to constant monitoring of their performance.

Mary Towers, the TUC’s representative for AI, commented, “These results are cause for concern. They indicate that without strong new regulations, AI could create a work environment that is oppressive and detrimental to health for many individuals.

“It doesn’t have to be this way. With the appropriate safeguards in place, AI can be used to genuinely boost productivity and enhance the quality of work life.”

The new report is a component of the Pissarides Review on the Future of Work and Wellbeing, conducted by the Institute for the Future of Work in partnership with Warwick Business School and Imperial College London.

Professor Sir Christopher Pissarides, the esteemed economist leading the review, remarked, “As new technologies increasingly influence our work environments, it is crucial that we comprehend how our engagement with them affects our quality of life.”