A new report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has raised concerns over the impact of algorithmic management (AM) on job quality in India, citing “clear” evidence of increased workplace monitoring, surveillance, and work intensity.
The findings, part of a joint 2024 study by the ILO and the European Commission, show a stark contrast in how algorithmic systems affect job quality across different regions. While AM technologies had positive or neutral effects in countries like France and Italy, the report notes a decline in job quality in India and South Africa.
“These differences highlight the role of institutional and regulatory frameworks in shaping AM’s impact, emphasising that it is the implementation, not the technology itself, that influences outcomes,” the report states.
What is Algorithmic Management?
Algorithmic management refers to the use of digital systems to allocate tasks, monitor performance, and evaluate workers based on real-time data, metrics, and predictive analytics. Originally popularised by digital labour platforms, AM is now expanding into traditional sectors such as:
Warehousing and logistics
Manufacturing and construction
Call centres and healthcare
Transport and gig-based work
The integration of technologies such as machine learning, geolocation tracking, wearables, and real-time analytics is enabling tighter oversight but also raising serious concerns over worker autonomy, stress levels, and privacy.
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Remote Work Adds to Health and Safety Risks
The report, titled “Revolutionizing health and safety: The role of AI and digitalization at work,” also explores the occupational risks tied to remote and online work, especially in regions with weak ergonomic standards and limited employer oversight.
In India, only 16% of remote or online workers have access to a dedicated workspace, the ILO found. Many operate in conditions that pose risks of musculoskeletal disorders, eye strain, and fatigue, due to poor workstation setups and prolonged sedentary behaviour.
Other risks highlighted include:
Repetitive strain injuries from extended typing or screen time
Cardiovascular and metabolic issues due to lack of movement breaks
Lack of visibility into home-based environmental or ergonomic hazards
The ILO cautions that without regular risk assessments and structured remote working policies, these issues may escalate into long-term occupational health problems.
Framing the Way Forward
The report calls for greater scrutiny on how digital technologies are implemented in workplaces, particularly in emerging economies like India. While AM can offer gains in productivity and efficiency, the absence of protective regulations, worker representation, and human oversight may lead to outcomes that undermine job quality, health, and safety.
The ILO released the report ahead of World Day for Safety and Health at Work on April 28, underscoring the urgent need for inclusive policy frameworks as AI and automation reshape the global workforce.
