Our economy today is rapidly changing and with it so is the future of work. As the shift from a manufactoring economy to a service and knowledge economy continues along with the rapid growth of computing, the very nature of work and the workplace are being challenged. Below I discuss the problems that are created by these changes in the workplace such as computarization, the fall of the traditional workplace, and the growing threat of artificial intelligence to future employees.
One of the main problems regarding the workplace is that work does not happen in the office anymore. As Jason Fried discusses in the TED Talk “Why work doesn’t happen at work” the office is now a place of distractions and “work moments” of 30 minute intervals instead of uninterrupted stretches of productivity. Jason Fried states that the major problems with the current workplace are the M&Ms: managers and meetings. He explains that workers, especially those in creative fields need long uninterrupted hours to tackle problem effectively but instead are constantly interrupted by managers who want updates and uneccessary meetings that cost the company money and time.
Mobile communication and collaboration tools are allowing workers to collaborate and communicate in ways that no longer tie them to a common space. The growth of the internet and information technology has encouraged virtual teams and telework. This computarization along with the current problems regarding productivity at the traditional work environment is leading to the collapse of the workplace. Research done by Boris Grosyberg of the Harvard Business School where a variety of professions were analyzed, shows that top professionals depend on the organizations to make them starts. Although the traditional workplace might not necessarily be an environment where a lot of work actually gets done, it is nontheless a vital part of professional growth. The workplace is most of all a social place, where an individual develops a sense of identity and belonging, creates partnerships, and is motivated to succeed by like-minded peers. The first thing that will be lost if traditional offices go away will be creativity.
Another problem regarding computarization that is affecting the future of work is that artificial intelligence is advancing so rapidly that machines are poised to replace humans across a wide range of industries. There is already evidence that information technology has affected middle skilled employees such as secretaries, administration workers, repairmen, and manufactoring workers. Although for now there will be no androids sitting on your desk, computarization has already made it possible for companies to export jobs abroad, reshaped them so they can be done by less skilled contract workers or eliminated them entirely through the use of software. For example the job description of a secretary largely includes information sorting and managing which can easily be automated with software. And as our machines continue to become more intelligent and exhibit undrstanding, speaking, hearing, and seeing, it is only a matter of time before many low and middle level jobs becomes obselete.
Sources:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacobmorgan/2015/03/16/get-rid-managers/?ss=future-work
http://www.dol.gov/dol/aboutdol/history/herman/reports/futurework/execsum.htm
