Technology and the Workplace

Introducing technology into the Workplace:

Technology is redefining the workplace. Employers expect workers to be adaptive and to have technology skills relevant to the workplace and industry. The job market is competitive and ever evolving and deciding on a career path is more than passion and interests.  Employers understand what skills and jobs are in high demand, and which are facing possible extinction. Discuss

Employers must meet their responsibilities and address the complex issues that arise - resistance to change, education and training, up-skilling current employees, and updating hardware and software. 

25 most in demand tech skills - article 

More than 5 million Aussie jobs gone in 5-10 years  - article 

Employer and Employee rights and responsibilities in the workplace:

The introduction of technology into the workplace is not a new concept, but the speed at which technological advancements are being made means that workplaces are constantly under pressure to keep up with the latest technology. This can cause issues in updating costs, resitance to change, fear, as well as education, training and retraining of employees. This also considerably impacts workplace safety through introduction of education and training to use the new technology. This means that the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees in adopting technology in the workplace need to be fully examined before the new technology can be adopted. Various career pathways can also be developed and explored with the introduction of new technologies.

Employers are responsible for promoting and offering their employees training and education- and for providing the associated financial assistance - in order to enhance the employees' skills and knowledge associated with the technology that is relevant to their role.  (discuss examples)

Employers are also responsible for both maintaining safety standards and addressing 'occupational health and safety' concerns in relation to technology. They need to ensure that the equipment a worker uses and how he or she uses it suit them. 

Employees are responsible for keeping their knowledge and understanding of the relevant technologies up to date and for participating in education and training their employer either makes compulsory  or suggests.

Conflict can often result from introduction and implementation of technology at the workplace. Employees might beleive that their position is threatened because of the automation and efficiency entailed in the use of new and improved types of technology. They might also feel pressured or anxious in relation to adopting a new technology and in relation to understanding how their role has changed as a result of the technology. To avoid employer- employee conflict, all parties should maintain a positive attitude towards change and be open and willing to consider and adopt new and improved technologies. 

Student activity -Create a mindmap on the board and as a class discuss the two questions below:

1. What are the employers rights and responsibilities in relation to adopting technology in the work place? Use examples to support

2. What are the employees rights and responsibilities in relation to adopting technology in the work place? Use examples to support 

Exam Prep questions:

1. Why is safety technology important in the workplace? (3)

2. How is information and communication technology used in the workplace? (4)

3. Describe in detail the structure of the workplace and how technology may enhance it (5)

4. Outline how technology can be introduced in the workplace (4)

Past HSC Questions

5. Assess the degree to which technology impacts on: workplace safety, work/life balance, career pathways. (15) 2021

6. Evaluate the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees in adopting technology in the workplace (15) 2018