Abstract:
Popular media suggests that technological advancement will continue
to have a dramatic effect on work, but it is difficult to distinguish
between the hype surrounding this and the actual potential impacts.
This study examines what the evidence is in relation to the impact of
emerging technologies on work and the role of the human resource
(HR) function in helping employees and organisations to navigate
these changes. Evidence suggests that the latest technologies, such
as artificial intelligence and robotics, are being employed by
organisations to automate simple and repetitive tasks as well as to
make complex decisions quickly and more accurately via predictive
algorithms. In addition, emerging technologies are increasingly being
used to support the implementation of more flexible working
practices such as virtual work and gig work. However, this will present
a number of challenges for HR professionals, who will need to help
employees to update their skills to compete in the future world of
work, and to find ways to address the possible negative effects of
increased connectivity and precarious working arrangements on
employee wellbeing.
