3.1 Society - 3.1a At Work
3.1a At Work
The introduction of computers has had many positive effects on the working environment. There are many examples:
In the workplace, computers are able to do dangerous, dirty or otherwise unpleasant jobs using robots. The noise level in offices can be reduced by using a number of word processors connected to a single printer (possibly located in another room) in plac
e of many individual typewriters.
Also for the working conditions, it is essential that the surrounding environment is kept clear and dust-free to protect the equipment. This means comfortable conditions for the employees.
However, the presence of the computer can make many employees uncomfortable. This is usually the fact that several significant changes must be made to the working environment.
Firstly, previous employees of a firm before the business decides to go "computerised", will have to be trained. This is expensive and some employees may not enjoy learning. This is probably because just looking at a computer can cause uncomfo
rtable feelings that can convince them that it can cause more annoyance than to improve the firm's efficiency.
Some computer operators are required to spend many hours in front of a computer screen - entering data via a keyboard. Many commands for operating the computer are made mostly by the use of a mouse. It is these tasks that can make working tiring and unc
omfortable, leading to physical disorders such as headaches, backaches and other ailments. Employees may also resent restrictions which may be imposed on them, such as "no smoking" or eating and drinking in the computer room. Such restrictions
and discomforts of computing in an office can drive employees away from companies and businesses.
Many offices are now under strict health and safety measures which ensure that employees are given regular breaks from the keyboard and better, adapted working environments.
The impact of computers on employment has been huge. Because of its usefulness to do many routine and repetitive tasks, it has began replacing the people who do these jobs.
For example, computer-controlled robots may be used on a car assembly line. The advantages to the manufacturer of using this technology include: improved quality control (robots can perform to a higher level of precision than humans) and reduction in man
power costs (since fewer workers are needed). The manufacturer can produce set annual batches of cars WITHOUT FAIL. The computers do not need lunch breaks, do not fall ill, do not need holidays - and only require a small amount of electricity to run.
However, the social implications of this are that employees whose jobs are now being done by computers must either face redundancy or be given different work to do. Very often, employees are made redundant.
Even the job of the secretary can be replaced by the computer. The businessperson may prefer to write their own letters and documents on a word processor. They can also use the appropriate software to organise their business records without the need of
a secretary.
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