The rise of robots in the workplace has been a topic of much discussion in recent years. While some argue that robots are increasing efficiency and productivity, others worry that they are replacing jobs and leaving workers out of the equation. So, are robots beneficial or harmful in the workplace?
On the positive side, robots can truly increase efficiency and productivity. By automating repetitive tasks or handling dangerous jobs, robots can make workplaces safer and frees up workers to concentrate on more complex or creative tasks. They can work around the clock and do not need breaks, thus maximising production output. Moreover, robots can perform tasks that are too dangerous for human workers, saving human lives and reducing occupational hazards. This is particularly the case in the manufacturing sector, where robots have become an important part of the assembly line process.
At the same time, however, many people worry that with this increase in automation, robots are eroding job opportunities for humans. The fact that robot labour is cheaper and more efficient than human labour implies a potential for significant job loss resulting in long-term negative impact on society. Studies suggest that robots have been replacing jobs across manufacturing, services, and public administration sectors. The jobs lost may include low and middle-skill jobs such as clerks, secretaries, production workers and motor vehicle operators, among others. In worse scenarios, the trend might come to the extent of having autonomous robots that don’t require any human involvement.
Although robots offer possibilities of creating new job categories, new capabilities required from the workers and skill requirements may not align. In fact, the cost of retraining or reskilling the workforce may be high and cannot meet the increasing demands of technological advancement. This places immense pressure on workers in terms of finding new jobs with skills that meet the requirements of the robot revolution.
In conclusion, while robots can undoubtedly boost efficiency and safety in the workplace, we need to consider the larger implications of their impact on jobs and the economy. Without a long-term strategy to deal with this trend, the negative implications may far exceed the benefits of increased efficiency. As such, there may be a need for supportive government policies, providing safety nets like vocational and technical training, guaranteed wage cover schemes, and incentivizing the creation of new jobs. Such measures would ensure that the benefits of automation are enjoyed by everyone and that workers are not left behind.
