Psychosocial risks and ethical implications of technology: considerations for decent work

Area of Science:

• Technoethics
• Future of Work Studies
• Sustainable Development Goals

Background:

• Decent work, a UN Sustainable Development Goal, emphasizes ethical treatment, security, freedom, equity, and dignity for workers.
• Emerging technological forces present potential challenges to the availability and quality of decent work.
• Understanding the psychosocial impacts and ethical considerations of technology in the workplace is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To apply a prescriptive taxonomy to categorize the psychosocial impacts of technology on the future of work.
• To elucidate the ethical concerns associated with these technological impacts.
• To propose ethical objectives and strategies for ensuring decent work in the future.

Main Methods:

• Application of a prescriptive taxonomy to analyze evidence of psychosocial impacts.
• Ethical analysis centered on principles of nonmaleficence, beneficence, autonomy, justice, and respect for persons.
• Review of technoethical discourse concerning technology and the future of work.

Main Results:

• Identification and categorization of various psychosocial impacts of technology on workers.
• Elucidation of significant ethical concerns arising from technology integration in the workplace.
• Establishment of ethical objectives to support decent work principles.

Conclusions:

• Expanded technoethical education, ethical technology assessments, and revised ethical standards are vital.
• Findings provide a foundation for systemic prevention and control of adverse effects and ethical concerns.
• Proactive measures are necessary to ensure technology supports, rather than undermines, decent work.