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Digital transformation: “jobocolypse” or empowerment?

Zeynep Hizir (Zeynep Hizir is based at SS&C Technologies Inc, London, UK)

Strategic HR Review

ISSN: 1475-4398

Article publication date: 23 November 2021

Issue publication date: 4 February 2022

1128

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of digital transformation on jobs and to assess whether or not the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution will lead to mass redundancies. The piece also looks at the role human resources (HR) departments will have to play in the implementation of, and response to, digital transformation within the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper combines research based on media articles, a parliamentary report and wider digital transformation industry research. The author looks to explain what digital transformation is, deconstruct misconceptions around digital transformation, assess the true evidence-based impact of digital transformation on jobs and advise HR departments on the impact of digital transformation within the workplace.

Findings

This piece finds that there remains a considerable degree of misunderstanding and many misconceptions around digital transformation and that while digital transformation will lead to the loss of some jobs, it will also lead to the change of existing ones and creation of new ones. Furthermore, this piece finds that HR departments will play a crucial role in the implementation of digital transformation, but that they too will need to pivot and adjust to new workplace realities as a result.

Originality/value

Many HR departments face confusion and misconceptions around the impact of digital transformation on the workforce, and there also remains concern among many employers that technology will replace their jobs. This piece seeks to dispel the myths and paint a clearer picture to both HR departments and employees around the impact of digital transformation.

Keywords

Citation

Hizir, Z. (2022), "Digital transformation: “jobocolypse” or empowerment?", Strategic HR Review, Vol. 21 No. 1, pp. 6-9. https://doi.org/10.1108/SHR-10-2021-0047

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited

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