Technology is augmenting the workplace and reshaping the work we do today and tomorrow.
By REITZ MUREITHI
Seven years ago, Viola Bor discovered the world of online writing. It was a new concept that appeared too good to be true. The fact that she had never done any course in writing and had no interest in literature was the least of her problems. “What amused me was that I could write an article, send it to a person that I only knew virtually and expect payment at the end of the month,” Bor recalls. She said there were thoughts of uncertainty that rocked her mind before she settled for this job. For her, the norm was to send a job application, be invited for an interview and then report to the office once confirmed. “I did not need to have an office and at the same time, the working hours were dependant on my schedule. It was a way of making money comfortably,” Bor says. At the time, she was a new mother and a fresh graduate from a local university in Kenya. Unlike many graduates, Bor did not consider looking for formal employment. All she wanted was an income generating activity that she could rely on.
“I was introduced to both local and international employers who have proven to be reliable and professional. We always communicate through email and the payment is made through secure money transfer platforms,” she adds. Currently, Bor has morphed into an employer with three employees under her belt. “I am happy that I have never been duped. All my sources have been reliable and professional people,” she said.
Future of work
Online writing is one of the jobs that have emerged because of technology. A decade ago, it was impossible to think that one could work virtually and get paid by an employer that they have not met. While communication was exclusively face to face before, now parties can hold meetings through video conferencing. The difference in time no longer dictates the possibility of interaction between two people regardless of their location. About two years ago, media houses in Kenya were the most affected businesses in the face of technology. Some were forced to lay off hundreds of journalists as well as shut down some radio and TV stations due to duplication of roles and redundancy.
With these emerging issues, it is no surprise that the conversation on shaping the future of work was dominant during the Annual General Meeting/60-year anniversary celebration of the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) held in Nakuru town. FKE’s Executive Director Jacqueline Mugo noted that technology has indeed changed the interaction between the employer and the employee. Asked about the influence that technology has had on the structure of jobs, Mugo noted that technology has changed how traditional jobs are run.
“It is right that new jobs have emerged since technology should create new jobs,” she said.
However, Mugo said this does not necessarily mean that technology will replace the human capital that existed before. She highlighted the workers` strikes witnessed in various quotas like tea farmers over the introduction of tea picking machines. She also admitted that it is becoming increasingly difficult for the employer to balance between adapting to technology and retaining the employees.
Upskilling
“As new jobs emerge, employees must learn new skills to cope with the changes brought about by technology,” Mugo said. This statement is true according to award winning photojournalist Suleiman Mbatiah. He is convinced that a journalist can no longer survive in journalism by being good at only one thing but must instead learn the new ways of editing and news production. “You must be good at writing, photography and even videography for you to secure a space in the current job market,” Mbatiah noted during the World press day celebrations in Nakuru on May 3rd.
The effects of technology continue being felt, with media owners introducing the concept of digital journalism that ensures mainstream media can compete with social media.
“The need to relay news faster than social media outlets has at times compromised on the accuracy of information which is another challenge that has come with technology,” Mbatiah added. However, the International Labour Organization Global Commission has come up with recommendations that may be helpful in these uncertain times. The document dubbed ‘Future of Work’ notes that there are new forms of work and that these changes affect the institutional framework of the workplace. It goes ahead to suggest that a Universal Labour Guarantee be established and that each organization should embrace a ‘human in command’ approach. This means for every machine or technology that is brought in, a human being must be employed to be in charge. The report also recommends that all workers be provided with Universal social protection coverage from birth to old age.
Although these recommendations appear good on paper, Mugo argued that they may not be practical in all the countries since the work environment differs for each country. She, however, advocated for improved innovation and the use of technology at the workplace, coupled with culture change. “There is also need for improved labour relations at the workplace to accommodate the ever-changing face of work,” she said. The Executive Director also called upon the county governments to provide a suitable environment for businesses in the counties by establishing friendly policies and affordable taxes.
Reitz Mureithi is the Communications Officer at Nakuru County government. Email: wmooray@gmail.com
