Digitalisation in the workplace: Strategies for sustainable working environments
The rapid advancement of digital technologies is transforming workplaces at an unprecedented pace. For OSH professionals, the challenge lies in mobilising these innovations to create sustainable and safe working environments while preventing potential risks. The digitalisation of the workplace presents both opportunities and challenges for OSH professionals. By applying the Vision Zero approach and focusing on proactive prevention strategies, organisations can ensure that their digital transformations not only drive business success but also protect and enhance the wellbeing of their employees.
Digitalisation impacts every aspect of the workplace, from products and services to internal processes and the physical and psychological working environment. However, while many organisations are adept at implementing digital tools to enhance productivity and competitiveness, they often overlook the implications these technologies have on employee wellbeing.
To fully understand how digitalisation works, we can categorise it into three areas:
- Products and services: The use of digital technologies to improve the competitiveness of the products or services offered by an organisation
- Work processes: The integration of digital tools to streamline and optimise workplace operations
- Occupational safety and health: The application of digital technologies to enhance the physical and psychological safety of employees – a critical area that is often under-prioritised
The challenge for many organisations is to move beyond a reactive approach to digital transformation and adopt a proactive stance that considers the potential risks and opportunities digitalisation presents for OSH.
The Maturity Scale – a tool for strategic prevention
One effective way to incorporate a proactive approach to digitalisation is through the use of the Maturity Scale model. This tool allows organisations to assess and improve their prevention strategies when introducing new technologies.
The model outlines five levels of prevention:
- Passive: No focus on the technology’s impact on the working environment
- Reactive: Focus only on addressing issues that arise, such as stress-related absences or collaboration difficulties
- Active: Consideration of the technology’s impact, though often more in words than in actions
- Proactive: Risk assessments are conducted before implementing new technology, with a focus on identifying potential OSH consequences
- Creative: Planning for technology implementation that optimises both business operations and the working environment, integrating OSH into strategic decisions to attract and retain employees
Applying the Vision Zero approach to digitalisation
The Vision Zero framework can guide organisations in managing the OSH implications of digitalisation. Vision Zero’s core principle that all accidents and harm at work are preventable can be extended to the digital realm, where prevention becomes a strategic priority.
Below are the Vision Zero 7 Golden Rules adapted to address digitalisation:
Rule #1
Take leadership – demonstrate commitment
Ensure that leadership at all levels is engaged and aware of both the positive and negative impacts digitalisation can have on the working environment. Leaders should have a high level of digital IQ, understanding both the opportunities and risks associated with new technologies, such as AI.
Rule #2
Identify hazards – control risks
Conduct systematic risk assessments for new technologies, considering their potential impact on both the physical and psychological aspects of the workplace. This includes evaluating how AI might change job roles, influence stress levels, and affect overall employee wellbeing.
Rule #3
Define targets – develop programmes
Set measurable, forward-thinking goals related to OSH and digitalisation. For example, a goal could be to have a significant percentage of leaders trained in the effects of digitalisation on the working environment within a year.
Rule #4
Ensure a safe and healthy system – be well-organised
Clearly define roles and responsibilities concerning the ethical and OSH implications of new technologies. Consider who will be responsible for addressing issues like data privacy and the ethical use of AI.
Rule #5
Invest in safe and healthy technology and equipment
Continuously seek out new technologies that not only improve productivity but also enhance workplace safety and health. This involves considering how digitalisation can be designed to support OSH from the outset.
Rule #6
Improve qualifications – develop competence
Ensure that both leaders and employees have the necessary skills to understand and manage the OSH implications of digitalisation. This includes training on how to assess risks and make informed decisions about new technologies.
Rule #7
Invest in people – motivate by participation
Engage employees in discussions about how digital solutions will be implemented in their work areas. Involvement at all stages of the digital transformation process increases the likelihood of successful and sustainable implementation.
Ethical considerations in digitalisation
Ethics play a crucial role in the digitalisation of working environments. As organisations collect more data and use AI-driven systems, it is essential to balance the need for innovation with the right to privacy, security, and health. To manage these ethical concerns, workplaces should encourage open dialogues and develop clear data-ethical principles that guide the use of digital technologies.
Investing in leadership engagement, systematic risk assessments, ethical considerations, and continuous competence development are key steps toward creating a future of work that is both digitally advanced and human-centred.
Contact
Flere nyheder
