The impact of technology on employment and businesses in the UK
- Written by Safa Nawaz
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- April 26th, 2021
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- 5 Minute Read
How is technology changing our workplace?
Over the past few years, we have seen technology rapidly changing and affecting the way we work. Not only has an advancement of technology affected our work life, as we have seen recently, but it also has been playing a significant role in a hiring process.
Making the candidate selection more efficient
Technology aids the recruitment process with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) as more businesses are using AI to create algorithms when hiring. This means employers and recruiters can scan and filter through CVs at a faster rate, only selecting the most suitable candidates for the role.
An applicant’s social media activity also plays a significant role during the hiring process. To get a better understanding of the candidates, majority of employers and recruiters use social media to look beyond the CVs of the potential candidates.
Speaking to people not CVs
Although it is more common for businesses to invest more money into technology to aid the recruitment process, many small businesses and recruitment companies prefer and value building relationships with the candidate by handpicking the most suitable applicants and talking to them on an individual basis. This relationship allows employers to decide whether the candidate would fit well into the company’s culture. This works both ways as knowing the candidate means recruiters can look for a suitable company and secure the most rewarding role.
Demand for a technically skilled workforce is growing
With businesses relying on technology, employers expect their employees to have the necessary skills.
As technology is rapidly advancing, there has been a demand for candidates with programming languages, mobile development, cybersecurity skills and so on. This fast development of technology has created a shortage of qualified tech individuals and an increase in demand for positions that require those skills.
The need for practical skills alongside tech skills should not be underestimated. For instance, many young graduates who have the technical skills lack experience and practical skills such as time management, teamwork, and communication. Both the employees and candidates need to work together to narrow this gap.
Work-life balance is becoming more important
In the past, employees have been quite reluctant to fully embrace remote working. COVID-19 has tested employers in many sectors and many had to adapt fast. Despite the earlier hesitation, technology has proved, once again, to be helpful and allowed people to carry out their jobs faster and more efficiently.
Businesses have been using ‘Zoom’ or ‘Teams’ platforms to continue to have direct contact with their employees. What is more, technology has provided access to all the information and resources office workers would need from their workplace and allowed them to carry out their job equally effectively. What is more, digital technology allowed employees to have flexible schedules and work from home, providing them with a better work–life balance and allowing them to spend more time with family which we all value so much.
Are modern technologies a threat to the workforce?
Due to advancement in technology, certain repetitive tasks can now be computerised. This reduces the risk of error and improves the performance and efficiency of the business. On the other hand, some argue that the development of AI has caused people to lose their jobs. However, the modern technology also creates new jobs for people who have the tech skills or want to re-train, therefore, AI does not need to be the cause of an increase in overall unemployment.