HR can help prevent dark side of technology

Technology will have a negative impact on morale and productivity if it is not aligned with business objectives and good people management, according to a new report published by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). The report singles out the potential for technology to restrict employeesí freedom and autonomy as a particular concern, and calls on employers to limit the impact of the ëdark sideí of technology by involving HR in the design and implementation of new systems.

Graeme Martin, author of the CIPD research report, Technology and people management: the opportunity and the challenge, says, ìEvery solution brings with it equivalent problems and technology is no different. But employers have one fundamental choice when implementing a technical system ñ whether the technology is a tool to empower employees or control them.

ìToo much control may leave employees feeling under surveillance. While too much empowerment may not meet business needs. It is up to HR to highlight these choices and work with designers and implementers of new technologies to ensure there is a balance between empowerment and control.

ìHR will be better able to transform their own function and play a more strategic role in aligning technological innovation, organisational change and people management by making sure the needs of employees are considered when introducing new technology.î

The report, launched at the CIPD HR Software Show, highlighted other problems with new technologies. These include the following areas:

Alienating employees from a lack of face-to-face interaction

Increasing work intensity due to mobile working technology

De-skilling of manual work as technology replaces traditional skills

Surveillance and intrusion at work through monitoring devices

Health and safety problems such as repetitive strain injury, eyesight problems and backache

Graeme Martin concludes, ìThe main problem is that many employers do not involve HR in the design and implementation of new technology despite nearly every informed commentator suggesting that technology is the single most important transforming force on work. Employers need to involve HR professionals and encourage them to show interest in the more imaginative uses of technology.î