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Artificial Inteligence (AI) is ‘damaging mental health’ of workers
Monitoring of workers and setting performance targets through algorithms is damaging employees’ mental health and needs to be controlled by new legislation, according to a group of MPs and peers. An ‘accountability for algorithms act’ would ensure that companies evaluate the effect of artificial intelligence (AI) performance-driven regimes such as queue monitoring in supermarkets or deliveries-per-hour guidelines for delivery drivers, said the all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on the future of work. “Pervasive monitoring and target-setting technologies, in particular, are associated with pronounced negative impacts on mental and physical wellbeing as workers experience the extreme pressure of constant, real-time micro-management and automated assessment,” noted the APPG members in their report, ‘The New Frontier: Artificial Intelligence at Work.’ The report recommends bringing in a new algorithms act, which it says would establish “a clear direction to ensure AI puts people first.” It warns that “use of algorithmic surveillance, management and monitoring technologies that undertake new advisory functions, as well as traditional ones, has significantly increased during the pandemic.” Under the act workers would be given the right to be involved in the design and use of algorithm-driven systems, where computers make and execute decisions about fundamental aspects of someone’s work – including in some cases allocation of shifts and pay, or whether they get a job in the first place. Tory MP David Davis, the chair of the APPG on the future of work, said: “It is clear that, if not properly regulated, algorithmic systems can have harmful effects on health and prosperity.” ‘The Amazonian Era’, a May report from the Institute for the Future of Work, included testimony from workers that AI target-setting produced high levels of anxiety. Some working drivers said they were forced to cut corners because of time constraints and manufacturing workers said constant logging for their activities on shifts led to more intensive work.
APPG on the future of work website and The New Frontier: Artificial Intelligence at Work: A final report produced by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Future of Work, November 2021. The Guardian.
Warning on work-related mental health ‘crisis’
Work-related stress and poor mental health ‘risk becoming a health and safety crisis for Great Britain’s workplaces’, the UK’s workplace safety regulator has warned. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said last year more than 17 million working days were lost as a result of stress, anxiety, or depression. HSE added its new ‘Working Minds’ campaign aims to help businesses recognise the signs of work-related stress and make tackling related issues routine. The regulator said it is calling for a culture change across Britain’s workplaces, to ensure psychological risks are treated the same as physical ones in health and safety risk management. HSE’s chief executive Sarah Albon said: “Work-related stress and poor mental health should be treated with the same significance as risks of poor physical health and injury. In terms of the affect it has on workers, significant and long-term stress can limit performance and impact personal lives.” She added: “No worker should suffer in silence and if we don’t act now to improve workers’ mental health, this could evolve into a health and safety crisis.” HSE said it is reminding business that no matter where people work, employers have a legal duty to assess the risks in the workplace, not just in terms of potential hazards and physical safety. They should also promote good working practices. It says this promotes an open environment where employees can share their concerns and discuss options to ease pressures. Sarah Albon added: “Our campaign is focused on giving employers a clear reminder of their duties while championing reducing work-related stress and promoting good mental health at work.” HSE has been criticised by the TUC for it virtually total failure to take enforcement action on psychosocial hazards at work, and a refusal to recognise, record and address work-related suicide risks (Risks 1017).
HSE news release and Working Minds campaign. Morning Star.
RESOURCES: TUC guide to responding to harmful work-related stress. Tackling workplace stress using the HSE Stress Management Standards, TUC and HSE guidance for health and safety representatives. TUC workbook on mental health in the workplace. TUC mental health awareness training. TUC health, safety and wellbeing guide.
Hazards stress and mental health webpages.
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