Question

Identify and discuss potential benefits and pitfalls of technology usage in tackling ageing workforce.

Answer 1

There are different benefits as well as pitfalls in the given scenario. The first potential benefit is the timely assessment of performance of the ageing workforce and taking rights steps. It is done using technologies and managers, can opt for the different plans to work on it and stop the fall in performance level. The second benefit is the improvement in productivity level of these workforce using technologies when these people are given some training inputs. It makes them more focused and work diligently to maintain their performance level as expected. The third benefit is assistance being delivered to the aging workforce that can resolve the problems faced by these people. Here, technology can do many work when automated and it makes aging workforce to focus upon certain functions or activities.

Though, it also brings some pitfalls. The first pitfall is the increase in cost due to the technology acquisition, though it does not make additional contribution in productivity. The second pitfall is the increase in scope of excuses for laying off of the aging workforce in the organization. The third pitfall is the inability of the technology to find out the subjectivity based issues that can lead to the improper assessment of the workforce. Further, ageing workforce may not find comfortable with the technology and productivity further decreases, rather to be increased. So, these are some pitfalls that can come ahead.