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NEW TECHNOLOGY: FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE?

Are you drowning in information overload?

Too many emails to read, too many apps to consult, too many notifications to manage! Feeling overwhelmed? You aren’t alone. The phenomenon is so widespread that it is a recognized cognitive issue: information overload.

While it doesn’t necessarily add tasks to your job – although it often can – this information overload increases your experienced workload. Trusting your gut can set you on the right path. Hone your instincts by learning to recognize the signs.

The broken promises of AI

What about the digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI) ‒ the term generating so much buzz ‒ that are being promoted with promises of increased efficiency, better communication, less paperwork and so on? Sometimes the promises are kept, sometimes they’re not.

When mishandled, implementing AI can have many undesirable effects on workload. Sometimes, it works. Sometimes, it doesn’t. Trust your judgement, which isn’t artificial.

Management by algorithm can’t solve everything

With this form of management, technological tools draw on a set of digital data (an algorithm) to make automated or semi-automated decisions about labour.

It’s used to create schedules and home care itineraries, and to monitor workers, under the pretext of optimizing human resources management.

But is it as efficient as claimed? In some cases, algorithmic management increases workload; in others it prevents work overload. It’s best to be vigilant. Keep your eyes open!

Performance at all costs has a price…

Suffering from information overload isn’t a sign that you’re incompetent or can’t keep up. It’s often just the opposite: it can be an early sign of a workplace that needs to clean up its practices.

The quest for performance at any cost using these digital tools often leads employers to underestimate the impact of their choices on their teams. Questioning the actual effect of these tools on productivity and your day-to-day workload isn’t just healthy; it’s necessary.

Your local union team is there to help you

Are you feeling the negative effects of these technologies on your workload? Talk to your local union team. They’re there to make sure you have the information you and guide you through the maze of workload issues. They can provide resources and support you as you take action.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

aptsq.com/workload

Created By
Patrick Mathieu
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