Context:
Algorithmic management (AM) in India has led to a decline in job quality, with “clear” evidence of increased monitoring, surveillance and work intensity, noted International Labour Organisation (ILO) in its latest report.
Key Findings from ILO Report
- Decline in Job Quality:
- The International Labour Organization (ILO) reports that algorithmic management (AM) in India has led to a decline in job quality, citing increased monitoring, surveillance, and work intensity.
- Study Insights:
- According to a 2024 joint study by ILO and the European Commission, while AM technologies had a positive impact in France and Italy by improving work organisation, they had negative consequences in countries like South Africa and India.
- Institutional and Regulatory Influence:
- The study emphasizes that the implementation of AM, rather than the technology itself, is critical in shaping its impact on job quality. The regulatory and institutional frameworks of each country play a key role.
What is Algorithmic Management?
- Definition: AM refers to the process of managing work tasks, monitoring performance, and evaluating workers through data collection, surveillance, real-time decision-making, and metrics-driven evaluations.
- Technologies Used: AM incorporates digital technologies such as big data analytics, machine learning, geolocation, and wearable devices, which automate or support tasks typically handled by human managers.
Sectoral Impact
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- Digital Labour Platforms: While AM is widely used in digital labour platforms, its reach has extended to traditional sectors such as warehouses, factories, call centres, transportation, healthcare, and construction.
Challenges in Remote Work and Occupational Safety
- Health Concerns: The report highlights challenges faced by remote/online workers, particularly in ensuring a safe and healthy work environment without direct oversight.
- Ergonomics Issues: Only 16% of remote workers in India have a dedicated workspace, leading to risks such as musculoskeletal disorders and eye strain from poor workstation setups.
- Physical Health Risks: The sedentary nature of desk-based work increases risks of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases due to extended hours of work without adequate movement breaks.
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Global Efforts to Regulate Algorithmic Management
- China and Netherlands: Both countries have introduced regulations focusing on fairness and transparency in workplace algorithms.
- Spain: Amended its Workers’ Statute Act, requiring employers to disclose algorithmic parameters affecting working conditions.
- United States: The Algorithmic Accountability Act mandates the assessment of high-risk AI and machine learning systems that make automated decisions or handle personal data.
India’s National Policy on Safety
- National Policy: India’s national policy on safety, health, and environment addresses new risks associated with the adoption of modern technologies. It advocates for the use of safe technologies and computer-aided risk assessment tools to better manage risks.
The report, titled “Revolutionizing Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalization at Work,” underscores the need for strong regulatory frameworks to mitigate the adverse effects of algorithmic management on job quality and worker health. It also highlights the increasing importance of AI and digitalization in reshaping occupational safety and health globally.
