The advent of technology and the increase in automation has played a significant part in transforming how industries operate today, as it has reduced the need for manual labour in numerous businesses and organizations. This transformation has sparked debate over the relevance of traditional working hours in the face of shifting labour relations. Some people believe there is a need to reduce the number of working hours, while others say it is not required. The primary goal of this article is to analyze the impact of technological innovation and automation on manual labour, assess their impact on working hours, and establish how much of a reduction in working hours is reasonable.
Advances in technology and automation have significantly altered the way industries operate. This is because humans have been replaced by robots capable of performing repetitive jobs and tasks that would be highly stressful for humans (Ivanov, S.et al,2020). This is because using artificial intelligence, robots, and machine learning has enabled industries to improve efficiency, accuracy, and productivity. Manufacturing and logistics organizations have significantly benefited since technology has enabled them to improve inventory management systems and operational efficiency by automating tasks previously impossible for people (Nwagwu, U.,et al,2023). Logistics firms can employ real-time dashboards, which incorporate data from several sources, such as transportation systems and inventory management platforms, to provide real-time insights that aid decision-making and supply chain performance (Ivanov, S.et al,2020)..
Artificial intelligence systems, such as CHATGPT, have significantly contributed to technology organizations by reducing time spent on research, coding, and digital marketing (George, A. S.,et al,2023). This is because all the services that previously took the company so long to provide are now available with the touch of a mouse. For example, programmers may now debug codes using AI, making their jobs more accessible. Furthermore, digital marketers may now create web content compliant with Google regulations, allowing for faster indexing and ranking in search engine optimization.
Furthermore, companies such as Facebook have been able to extract a large amount of information from humans using technology, allowing them to make money by selling that data to other industries, which in turn helps them target customers based on the user’s search result history. Aside from that, Netflix has significantly profited from AI by enhancing customer happiness through enhanced search results and decreasing subscription cancellations from dissatisfied consumers who needed assistance locating what they were looking for (Steck H. et al., 2021). This is due to Netflix’s personalized recommendations.
Technology has also had an impact on the job economy. Many activities have been automated due to technological improvements, lowering the requirement for human labour in specific industries. As a result, some jobs have been lost, while others have seen increased productivity and efficiency. Furthermore, automation shifts remuneration from employees to business owners, who gain from increased earnings while using less labour (Nwagwu, U.,et al,2023). Most significantly, workers who receive extra education and training, either on the job or elsewhere, might learn new skills and become more helpful to machines. Furthermore, automation has significantly reduced human errors and mistakes, resulting in higher output quality and constituent performance (Ivanov S. et al., 2020). Furthermore, some businesses have benefited significantly from economies of scale by raising production volumes without increasing labour requirements.
Especially in view of the rapid changes in labour dynamics caused by technological progress and automation, the challenge of whether (which) working hours should be reduced has become one of the major issues (Schwabe, H., et al,2020). According to proponents of the shorter working hours, technological advancements that render manual labour obsolete warrant decreasing working hours to ensure employee well-being and work-life balance. They state this is because with technology now mechanizing jobs that require labor-intensive tasks, this means there is less the reason for employees working long hours. On the other hand, with shorter working hours in place, employees will be in a better position to spend quality time with their interests outside work, engage in recreational activities, or nurture their relationships with close family and friends.
Other advocates for reducing working hours stress out the opportunities that this and better health could provide. Continued working long hours has been found to be associated with stress, burnout, and loads of health problems (Schwabe, H., et al,2020). Through the shortening of time spent working, workers might get better well-being, which should lead to higher job satisfaction rate, less presence in work, and higher level of productivity during working time (Ivanov, S.et al,2020). In addition, the reduction of working hours will cause a more equal distribution of labor and recreation which will be beneficial to the individual to lead a full and satisfying life beyond their professional commitment.
On the other hand, the opponents of decreasing working hours have some reasonable questions concerning the practicality and feasibility of the invention. They contend that automation has indeed lowered the demand for personal workers in some lines of business, however, the presence of automation differs in totality of industries and regions (Ivanov, S.et al,2020). While some industries may remain highly dependent on manpower therefore making it not easy to create shorter working hours without affecting productivity or profitability. Furthermore business will be faced with logistical problems that include adjusting diary and carrying out reorganization of tasks which very difficult for SMEs.
Additionally, proponents say that enhancing productivity and fulfilling demand of product is significant too. Despite the fact that automation leads to greater efficiency, enhanced output, and better process results automation can only replace, in partially, human oversight, creativity and problem-solving complexity(Ivanov, S.et al,2020).. Such cases as decision-making, novel thinking and customer service still need some human contribution. In this light, decreasing labor time may as well be a stimulus to increase the efficiency or results in some cases.
Moreover, opponents are concerned that decreasing the number of working hours not only affects individuals but also the economy itself. Still, while shorter working weeks could have a positive impact on an individual worker, they could also harm businesses’ ability to compete on the global market in the meanwhile. Businesses may require support for meeting consumer demands or sustain profitability if they will be able to work with less hours in a successful way (Schwabe, H., et al,2020). The down side of the trend towards shorter working hours could be an increasing number of jobs lost in some industries with the problem accentuated.
In conclusion, supporters of shorter work hours have the potential to improve the physical and mental health of employees, and they also advocate for a better work-life balance. However, opponents rightly raise issues about the feasibility, productivity and economic results. However, the gist of this matter is that technological advancement and automation would necessitate an analysis by considering the above factors and understanding the intricacies of industries and organizations. Striking a balance among employee wellbeing, productivity, and economic sustainability is crucially important in determining the evolving digital landscape’s future work.
References
George, A. S., George, A. H., & Martin, A. G. (2023). ChatGPT and the future of work: a comprehensive analysis of AI’s impact on jobs and employment. Partners Universal International Innovation Journal, 1(3), 154–186.
Ivanov, S., Kuyumdzhiev, M., & Webster, C. (2020). Automation fears: Drivers and solutions. Technology in Society, p. 63, 101431.
Nwagwu, U., Niaz, M., Chukwu, M. U., & Saddique, F. (2023). The influence of artificial intelligence on enhancing supply chain performance under the mediating significance of supply chain collaboration in manufacturing and logistics organizations in Pakistan. Traditional Journal of Multidisciplinary Sciences, 1(02), 29-40.
Schwabe, H., & Castellacci, F. (2020). Automation, workers’ skills and job satisfaction. Plos one, 15(11), e0242929.
Steck, H., Baltrunas, L., Elahi, E., Liang, D., Raimond, Y., & Basilico, J. (2021). Deep learning for recommender systems: A Netflix case study. AI Magazine, 42(3), 7-18.
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