Smart Workplaces for older adults: coping 'ethically' with technology pervasiveness.

Area of Science:

• Digital Ethics
• Occupational Health
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Pervasive technologies (AI, VR, IoT) offer benefits for older workers but raise ethical issues.
• Personalized ICT solutions for aging populations in workplaces require ethical scrutiny.
• Digitization of workplaces presents uncertainties regarding ethical boundaries of digital technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an ethics framework, SmartFrameWorK, for personalized health support via ICT at workplaces.
• To address risks associated with personalized ICT solutions for older workers' health and well-being.
• To incite trust in digital workplace technologies through ethical considerations.

Main Methods:

• Developed SmartFrameWorK based on five ethical norms: autonomy, privacy, transparency, trustworthiness, and accountability.
• Utilized a typology to guide ethical decision-making for older workers' specific needs and risks.
• Conducted a case study applying the SmartFrameWorK methodology to personalized digital services.

Main Results:

• Risk analysis highlighted the need for ethical practices in monitoring older workers' activity and behavior.
• The SmartFrameWorK methodology demonstrated that personalized digital services can build user trust.
• Ethics compliance is an ongoing process involving participant engagement and data management.

Conclusions:

• Defining ethical determinants is crucial for building trust in digital workplace technologies.
• Implementing ethical frameworks enhances the workability and well-being of older workers.
• SmartFrameWorK provides a structured approach to navigate ethical challenges in digital health solutions for aging workers.