Robots in workplace contribute to burnout, job insecurity
Navigating the Impact of Robots in Workplace
The presence of robots in workplace has raised concerns about job burnout and workplace incivility. However, a recent study published by the American Psychological Association suggests that self-affirmation techniques can help alleviate fears of job displacement caused by robots in workplace. The research emphasizes the need to address subjective perceptions and promote a balanced understanding of the impact of robots in various industries.
Study Findings of robots in workplace:
Lead researcher Kai Chi Yam, PhD, an associate professor of management at the National University of Singapore, highlights that workers in the United States and parts of Asia experience job insecurity stemming from robots, even in industries where robots are not yet extensively used. However, these fears may not be substantiated by current realities.
Through experiments and data analysis involving participants from the United States, Singapore, India, and Taiwan, the researchers discovered several key insights. An experiment with 118 engineers in an Indian auto manufacturing company revealed that working with industrial robots was associated with higher reports of burnout and workplace incivility.
In an online experiment involving 400 participants, self-affirmation exercises proved effective in mitigating workplace robot fears. Participants engaged in exercises that encouraged positive thinking about their unique human characteristics, such as writing about values important to them, like family, sense of humor, or athleticism.
Addressing Biases and Misconceptions of robots in workplace:
Yam emphasizes that many individuals tend to overestimate the capabilities of robots while underestimating their own abilities. The study highlights the importance of addressing these biases and promoting a more realistic understanding of the current state of robotics in the workforce.
Job Insecurity and Media Influence of robots in workplace:
Concerns regarding job insecurity resulting from robots are widespread. The researchers analyzed data on robot prevalence in 185 U.S. metropolitan areas, along with the usage of popular job recruiting sites. Interestingly, areas with higher robot prevalence also exhibited increased rates of job recruiting site searches, despite similar unemployment rates. This suggests that perceptions of job insecurity may be influenced by factors beyond robots, such as career exploration or job dissatisfaction.
Another experiment involved 343 parents of students at the National University of Singapore. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: one group read an article specifically about the use of robots in businesses, the second group read a general article about robots, and the third group read an unrelated article. The group exposed to the article on the use of robots in businesses reported significantly higher levels of job insecurity compared to the other two groups.
Balancing Perceptions and Media Reporting:
While some individuals may have legitimate concerns about job displacement by robots, the study highlights the role of media coverage in potentially magnifying fears among the general public. Yam suggests that media reports on new technologies often adopt an apocalyptic tone, contributing to irrational fears.
As robots continue to play an increasingly significant role in the workplace, it is crucial to address concerns and misconceptions surrounding their impact. Self-affirmation techniques offer a potential strategy to alleviate fears, empowering individuals to recognize their own unique human qualities and capabilities. By fostering a balanced understanding of robots’ capabilities and promoting realistic discussions, both individuals and society can navigate the integration of robots in the workplace more effectively.
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