New technology presenting challenges to traditional workplace practices

The rapid development of new communications technology is challenging the old ways of doing things in today’s workplaces, says David Lowe, Employment Services Manager for the Employers & Manufacturers Association.

“New technology such as smart phones and finger scanning are doing away with traditional work records, timesheets and other data entry,” Mr Lowe said.

“Smart phones with global positioning can determine when and where an employee is at any time, so keeping a record of their hours to be charged, and generating an invoice, is much simpler.

“They also present new social media challenges for employers.

“Finger scanning systems can replace manual timesheets and data entry.

“Whereas this sort of technology is totally normal for an entire generation of newer workers, for others it presents a constant round of surprises.

“New systems are also blurring the line between work and home life, often to the advantage of both employers and employees.

“The downside is unhappy employees can make damaging comments about their job or employer on Facebook, and others may spend far too much personal time browsing the web at work.

“These are just some of the challenges from new technology facing employers who must stay up to speed with what’s becoming possible, and develop clear guidelines on how to use it productively in the workplace.

“To help with this EMA has just published Employees and Technology so employers can deal systematically with these workplace issues.”