Technology can revolutionize the workplace

Caroline Lozano/ Assistant Opinion Director

Although technology has been around since the dawn of humanity, it’s fair to say that it has made a significant jump in the past several years to the point where it has completely redefined the way we live our lives and communicate with each other.

It has also invaded the workplace, starting with robotics and artificial intelligence — the former already having a presence in the automotive and manufacturing industries for decades, according to The Guardian.

Since the aforementioned can perform tasks in a quicker, more efficient way than its human counterparts, their development “brings the promise of higher productivity (and with productivity, economic growth), increased efficiencies, safety, and convenience,” according McKinsey and Company.

Similarly, the use of digital tools “has increased, often dramatically, in 517 of 545 occupations since 2002, with a striking uptick in many lower-skilled occupations,” according to CNBC. Jobs with greater digital content were also found to pay higher wages to employees.

As in the pages of a dystopian futuristic novel, the advancement and prevalence of technology, whether it be robotics or digital tools, has been met with anxiety and fear.

I don’t consider myself a pessimist when it comes to the increasing use of technology. I absolutely love it. There’s not a day that goes by where I don’t use a device to accomplish daily tasks in five minutes that would’ve probably taken a lot longer a decade ago.  

Of course, the idea of robotics or digital tools taking over the workplace and resulting in job losses does admittedly bring worry as a current student and worker, especially with all the discussions of unemployment and income inequality.

However, to discourage the use of technology in the workplace would be counterproductive and even hypocritical — we all use technology in one way or another, even if it isn’t smartphones or tablets.

When it all comes down to it, we must all do what we have always done best: adapt. And along with adapting, learning from our creations and growing with it.

We created these devices, these robots and thus, have the ability to harness its power the way we want to. We can even take some cues from our ancestors as it isn’t the first time technology has had an impact on the workforce.

The Industrial Revolution, which took place from the 18th century to the 19th century, saw a similar technological trend “when various tasks became more automated and the types of jobs available changed as a result,” according to TechCrunch.

During this period, the adoption of technology in the workplace didn’t lead to mass employment, but instead led to a change in the type of work performed.

I also would like to note that there is a sunnier side to the future of workplace, at least for our future generations.

It’s estimated that “65 [percent] of children entering primary schools today will likely work in roles that currently don’t exist,” according to World Economic Forum. While there will be job losses (it’s inevitable), many new opportunities will crop up for potential employees.

And so, technology isn’t the upcoming apocalypse that some people are painting it to be. Rather than invite feelings of gloominess, we should be excited for the future and how technology will revolutionize the workplace in the same way it has our lives.

There’s a prize to be won here and if we don’t adapt to the advances, we’ll most certainly get left behind.

DISCLAIMER:

The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views of Panther Press Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.

Photo by Lilly Rum on Unsplash.