Published 23 November 2023
In an era defined by digital transformation, the use of algorithmic management in the workplace has ushered in a new set of challenges for workers and labour unions. Demos Helsinki, collaborating with the Foundation for European Progressive Studies, Oslo Metropolitan University, and Halmstad University, have kicked off an international project spanning Finland, Sweden, and Norway to investigate the profound effects of algorithmic management on the nature of work across the labour market.
Why care about this?
One notable consequence of the digital transition is the division of the labour market into ‘lousy or lovely’ jobs, where digital technology has allowed firms to rely on a flexible labour pool, often at the expense of existing labour and social protections. The gig or platform economy, in particular, has witnessed the reclassification of workers as ‘entrepreneurs’, resulting in the evasion of essential safeguards.
However, digital technology’s more nuanced and less obvious effects on the nature of work have largely remained uncharted territory. Widespread surveillance has been linked to increased worker stress and decreased trust in the workplace. At the same time, algorithmic decision-making systems have sparked profound shifts in workplace management, power dynamics, and workers’ rights. These transformations are not limited to the platform economy but extend across traditional sectors as well.
The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic further accelerated the adoption of such systems, making it imperative to understand their true impacts on work, which is not only a source of livelihood but also a cornerstone of the Nordic Model.
Expected outcomes
This project, scheduled to conclude in June 2024, will deliver the following outcomes:
– In-depth case studies: Two comprehensive case studies from Finland will provide valuable insights into the effects of algorithmic management on workers and labour organising.
– Policy recommendations: A final report will integrate findings from Finnish, Swedish, and Norwegian case studies, offering actionable policy recommendations to address the challenges posed by digital technology in the workplace.
Developing insights for workers and advocates
Our hypothesis is that workers, unions, and policy advocates cannot have a sufficient understanding of the profound impacts of new technologies as these often become evident in retrospect. To protect the rights and wellbeing of workers, it is imperative to arm them with knowledge about the potential consequences of these technologies and provide recommendations for effectively addressing these challenges.
The research methodologies employed in this project encompass case study analysis, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis, where appropriate.
This project will shed light on the intricate relationship between digital technology and the evolving nature of work. This initiative contributes to a larger conversation about safeguarding workers’ rights and wellbeing in an ever-changing digital landscape by uncovering the true impacts of algorithmic management and offering actionable recommendations. Ultimately, it strives to ensure that the benefits of digital technology are harnessed without compromising the dignity and security of workers across Europe.
For more information, or if you want to discuss this topic, please contact:
Theo Cox
Senior Expert, Demos Helsinki
theo.cox@demoshelsinki.fi
Feature Image: Benjavisa / iStock.