essay on information technology in the workplace

Technology in the workplace: how it’s evolving, and how to stay ahead of the curve

We explore how workplace technology is constantly evolving and how businesses can harness its capabilities to remain competitive, progressive and sustainable.

5th Aug, 2022

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Over the past two decades, technology has developed into an essential part of our everyday routines, both in a personal and professional capacity.

For businesses, technology in the workplace has adapted operational processes, increased employee synergy, and brought businesses a few steps closer to their consumers.

Workplace technology is well suited to helping businesses grow, achieve goals and heighten employee experiences, leading to better employee retention and attraction strategies.

We explore how technology in the workplace is constantly evolving, and how businesses can implement innovative technology solutions to ultimately stay ahead of the competition.

The changing technology in the workplace over the past 50 years

The workplace has rapidly changed due to the advancements in technology and the growth of online platforms. From the first use of the Lyons Electronic Office (LEO) computer in 1951, to American computer programmer Ray Tomlinson sending the first email 20 years later, change is constant. Today’s modern office is rife with digital workplace technology that enables businesses to thrive in environments once considered a pipe dream.

On the back of word processors being introduced in the 1970s, the internet connecting us all in the 1990s and the introduction of cloud storage by the turn of the millennium, businesses have adapted their working practices to make sure they sustain and maintain their business models in light of ground breaking changes to the workplace.

More recently, due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, technology has transformed to keep people engaged, productive and accessible from anywhere in the world. Research by McKinsey highlighted that 93% of companies they surveyed said they had to shift to remote work due to the pandemic. At the same time, 62% said they had to deal with increasing customer demand for online purchase and services, while 34% said there was an increase in migration of their company’s assets and tools to cloud databases for remote access.

Because of the shift in working conditions, companies now have the ability to harness advanced technology – such as video conferencing equipment and interactive systems – as the expectation is now for technology to support the entire workplace experience.

The importance of technology in the workplace

Technology continues to help businesses grow profits, adapt to changes and redefine their proposition. Because of digital-based technologies, communicating with both clients and employees is easier than ever before.

Technology affects communication in the workplace on multiple levels; the art of being able to communicate through a variety of means is even more important during a post-pandemic era, where many organisations are still working in a remote or hybrid capacity. According to research conducted by Finder , 60% of the UK’s adult population worked from home during the first coronavirus lockdown.

Cloud-based platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Office 365 continue to provide a pathway for companies to remain connected. They produce a variety of applications and supply features such as a chat/call function, file storage and sharing, alongside document collaboration to significantly enhance group project work and response times.

Having the latest technology allows companies to stay competitive and provide the best quality service possible.

The advantages of new workplace technologies

Many business owners now understand the important role that technology plays in the workplace as it continues to:

Increase employee productivity

Enhance product and service development

Maximise team-building opportunities

Here are some of the advantages of new technology in the workplace:

Increases security

With cyber-attacks increasing in volume and size year on year, digital security measures are able to protect files and systems, making sure business isn’t compromised. Security technologies like antivirus and authentication software have become both necessary and effective, while many businesses have also begun to implement employee training to help reduce the amount of data breaches.

Improves productivity and efficiency level

Advances in workplace technologies have seen companies increase their productivity and efficiency levels exponentially. Administration processes that were once considered solely manual and time-consuming are now completed via digital tools, applications and software systems. Employees now have the ability to focus on tasks that generate revenue and drive business forward.

Heightens innovation and creativity

Technology plays a significant role in enhancing employee creativity in the workplace. In marketing, technology is an important tool used to create and implement a strategy. Social media platforms help to initiate conversations between workers and potential clients/customers, while platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom are now an essential part of team communication, planning, and managing workflows.

The technology skills that the modern worker need in today’s workplace

Modern technology has shifted the way that business is conducted across a plethora of industries. According to research by CIPD into workplace technology, of those employees experiencing a technology use change, 50% feel that they now need more skills and knowledge to carry out their role.

The impact of technology in the workplace has never been greater regarding employee needs. Being attuned to workplace technologies is no longer seen as a bonus, but rather an expectation for employees. Workplaces, alongside digital setups for working from home, now depend on technology as a key driver of business operations, from office management systems to customer relationship management (CRM) tools. 

In addition to soft skills, employers should be looking for candidates that possess the technology skills needed in the workplace and who are familiar with tools that are highly transferable across multiple roles and industries. Whether employees need to be able to share information via social media, input data into spreadsheets and reports, present effectively or be a confident communicator over email, Microsoft Teams or other platforms, having a workforce fully enveloped in technology will create a stronger business culture, both internally and externally.

Planning ahead for technological advances

Workplace technologies have evolved at a faster rate because of the pandemic. Technologies that are sure to have a huge impact on the recruitment process in the near and present future are artificial intelligence (AI) and ‘always-on’ technology.

AI has grown substantially in recent years, as multiple sectors utilise its ability to enhance production and shorten the time taken to complete tasks. For recruitment, AI can be used to assist companies in identifying the best talent when a short turnaround is needed.

New AI technologies are able to streamline parts of the recruiting workflow by sifting through candidate applications. Because of this, hiring managers are given time back to increase, maintain and develop relationships with jobseekers and clients to find the talent their business desires.

As AI grows further, businesses will look to invest in AI in order to augment their recruitment technology, as remote interviews and working models continue to take up a greater share of the marketplace.

Technology has become a critical driver of business outcomes, and the expectation is that it is ‘always-on’. Always-on technology – such as chatbots and responsive operating systems – continue to add value to companies who want to stay ahead of the competition. Adapting to technology will help to deliver a secure, reliable and progressive work environment that keeps employees engaged and productive.

How businesses can take advantage of advances in recruitment technology

Using technology in processes like recruitment has many benefits, including increased accessibility, improved candidate experience and sifting speed, according to data found in a CIPD survey on using technology to improve hiring and onboarding.

To ensure companies get the most out of recruitment technology, they need to make sure each solution is implemented carefully and provides a great user experience for both the hiring manager and the jobseeker.

Being able to identify and reach talent in a competitive job market is essential. Businesses need to harness technology to fully understand supply and demand when it comes to talent, before being able to accurately target talent, contact jobseekers and track the progress of recruitment strategies.

While there is an emphasis on utilising technology within the recruitment process, if the balance between automated technology and human interaction is wrong, it can result in a more impersonal candidate experience and impact the attractiveness of a role.

Utilise automated technology to help sift through applications before harnessing that human touch to contact any potential candidates. The best recruitment technology strategies focus on the needs of both the employer and the jobseeker for a seamless and progressive process.

It can be difficult to keep up with technological advances but doing so can help transform and grow your business. From employee productivity levels to enhanced IT security, coming to grips with workplace technology can set a new precedent in how efficiently and effectively a company can increase its profitability and reputation.

Senior leaders are now tasked with creating a healthy digital culture, and in doing so can harness the power of workplace technology to reinforce an atmosphere that allows employees to work towards creating a better, more advanced future.

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Technology in the workplace: its advantages, importance, and influence

From the earliest computers to the cloud—here’s how technology transforms the way we work.

Technology is such a fundamental part of the modern workplace that it’s difficult to tell where the advantages start and finish. As a driving force behind every successful business in the world today, workplace technology can include everything from customer management software and virtual meeting tools to the keycard you use to get into the building.

Recent years have seen these tools put to use as a way for companies to continue working when teams aren’t sharing the same physical space. With the rise of hybrid working, technology has empowered teams to communicate and collaborate more effectively, no matter where they are.

WeWork Workplace is a technology solution that helps businesses comprehensively manage their offices. Built in partnership with leading real estate software company Yardi, WeWork Workplace is an all-in-one platform that can integrate different space types to help companies execute their hybrid work strategies.

The beginnings of technology in the workplace

It’s hard to overstate just how much technology has transformed the workplace over the course of the last half-century. The first computers to arrive in the workplace were giant machines, big enough to fill entire floors of office buildings. Mostly used for bookkeeping and data entry, these early computers were loud, expensive, and required special training to use. 

As technology progressed, computers became smaller and more affordable, and they began to be used for more specialized tasks and by more companies. The first word processors were developed in the early 1970s and revolutionized the way office work was done. It was no longer necessary to retype entire documents by hand every time a change was made. Word processors allowed files to be edited and saved electronically.

The introduction of the PC in the 1980s and the internet in the 1990s kicked things into light speed. What was unthinkable just a few decades ago, today’s businesses can now communicate and share huge amounts of data and information with suppliers, partners, and customers around the world instantly rather than days.

Advantages of technology in the workplace

Technology is so intertwined with workplace life that its advantages have crept into every aspect of how we do business. It’s an obvious observation, but what was once the stuff of science fiction has become totally unremarkable. Tech capabilities such as effortless videoconferencing , AI-powered logistics, and automated customer support tools would have seemed unfeasible just a few years ago—but today they’re commonplace.

A recent study by JLL showed that nearly 80 percent of companies plan to incorporate more than 10 technologies, including workplace apps, virtual reality, and remote-work technology, into their organizations by 2025.

Beyond the impressive gains made, there are many simpler advantages that technology has brought into the workplace. Smaller, more powerful computers place the world’s best production tools at the fingertips of every office worker. Speedy internet connections allow seamless communication and file sharing between offices on opposite ends of the planet. Analytics tools organize mountains of customer information and identify patterns and trends that no human could spot.

How has new technology affected the modern workplace?

Central to many of these advances is the ease with which we can automate processes and move information around. That could mean interacting with hard data, like easily accessible customer information in a CRM, or sharing project management updates across cloud-based productivity tools. Or how remote teams are better able to share and track information through virtual meetings, cloud storage, instant messaging, and email.

The ability for organizations of all sizes to collaborate, learn more about their customers , and do business in an interconnected world has supercharged productivity.

Why is technology in the workplace so important?

Just as the inventions of the industrial revolution led to rocketing productivity growth, having access to the latest technology allows today’s companies to work more efficiently, focus on the things that matter, and stay ahead of competitors.

Communication and interaction

Basic technology like email and instant messaging tools, as well as more recent innovations like Teams, Slack , and Zoom, have made it possible for employees to stay in touch and work together on projects, even when they’re based remotely.

Recruitment

Technology has transformed how businesses recruit by making it easier to reach a wider pool of candidates online. Employers expecting a large number of résumés can also screen candidates with applicant tracking systems, which automatically evaluate and filter potential recruits.

Technology saves time and effort. Productivity suites like Office 365 and Google Docs allow teams to collaborate on documents in real time, rather than by sending drafts back and forth. Project management software like Trello allows managers to organize team workloads more efficiently.

As the technology we use in the workplace becomes more sophisticated, so do the threats that organizations face from online fraud, data breaches, and theft. Network security is an essential part of doing business online, and involves not only firewalls and strong passwords but also up-to-date procedures and training for employees to help reduce the chances of human error.

Convenience and comfort

While it’s easy to focus on technology purely as a productivity tool, it’s also made many jobs more convenient and comfortable. The sharp rise of remote working couldn’t have happened without a resilient digital infrastructure, fast internet speeds at the office and at home, and seamless collaboration tools.

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The future of technology in the workplace

Nobody can say for sure where technology will take the workplace next, but the most successful businesses have always used the tech at their disposal to build stronger relationships with customers and collaborate more effectively with colleagues. The technology of tomorrow’s workplace should reflect how teams work today, whether that’s remotely, in a shared office, or a mixture of both. 

WeWork’s range of customizable offices are designed with the future of flexible working in mind and come equipped with the workplace technology your teams need to do their best work. Whether you’re launching a remote team in a new city, or need to reserve a modern workspace at short notice, WeWork provides beautiful offices to help you achieve your business goals. 

Steve Hogarty is a writer and journalist based in London. He is the travel editor of City AM newspaper and the deputy editor of City AM Magazine , where his work focuses on technology, travel, and entertainment.

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103 Information Technology Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Information technology is a rapidly evolving field that encompasses a wide range of topics and issues. From cybersecurity to artificial intelligence, there are countless areas in which to explore and write about. If you're looking for inspiration for your next IT essay, look no further. Here are 103 information technology essay topic ideas and examples to get you started:

• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Society
• The Future of Cybersecurity
• Big Data and Its Role in Business Decision-Making
• The Rise of Cloud Computing
• The Ethical Implications of Facial Recognition Technology
• Virtual Reality and Its Applications in Healthcare
• The Role of Blockchain in Supply Chain Management
• The Internet of Things and Smart Cities
• Augmented Reality in Education
• The Evolution of E-Commerce
• The Role of Chatbots in Customer Service
• The Rise of Remote Work and Its Implications
• The Importance of Data Privacy in the Digital Age
• The Impact of Social Media on Society
• The Role of Biometric Technology in Security
• The Future of 5G Technology
• The Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence
• The Role of Machine Learning in Healthcare
• The Impact of Automation on the Job Market
• The Rise of Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Technology
• The Role of IT in Disaster Recovery Planning
• The Evolution of Wearable Technology
• The Importance of User Experience Design in Website Development
• The Role of IT in Environmental Sustainability
• The Impact of Technology on Mental Health
• The Rise of Quantum Computing
• The Ethics of Data Collection and Analysis
• The Role of IT in Healthcare Delivery
• The Impact of Social Media on Politics
• The Future of Driverless Cars
• The Rise of Remote Learning Platforms
• The Role of IT in Climate Change Mitigation
• The Impact of Technology on Human Relationships
• The Future of Digital Currency
• The Role of IT in Disaster Response
• The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Warfare
• The Impact of Technology on Work-Life Balance
• The Rise of Personalized Medicine
• The Role of IT in Agriculture
• The Future of Virtual Assistants
• The Impact of Technology on Education
• The Role of IT in Telemedicine
• The Ethics of Data Breaches and Hacks
• The Impact of Technology on Creativity
• The Future of 3D Printing
• The Role of IT in Financial Services
• The Rise of Smart Home Technology
• The Impact of Technology on Journalism
• The Role of IT in Disaster Preparedness
• The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Marketing
• The Impact of Technology on Social Isolation
• The Rise of Autonomous Vehicles
• The Role of IT in Humanitarian Aid
• The Ethics of Genetic Engineering
• The Impact of Technology on Urban Planning
• The Future of Cyber Warfare
• The Role of IT in Space Exploration
• The Rise of Bioinformatics
• The Impact of Technology on Cultural Preservation
• The Role of IT in Public Health
• The Future of Robotics
• The Ethics of Surveillance Technology
• The Impact of Technology on the Arts
• The Role of IT in Disaster Relief
• The Rise of Biometric Identification
• The Impact of Technology on Democracy
• The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Law Enforcement
• The Role of IT in Sustainable Development
• The Ethics of Autonomous Weapons
• The Impact of Technology on Human Rights
• The Rise of Smart Cities
• The Role of IT in Wildlife Conservation
• The Future of Virtual Reality in Entertainment
• The Impact of Technology on Cultural Diversity
• The Role of IT in Emergency Management
• The Rise of Smart Manufacturing
• The Impact of Technology on Globalization
• The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
• The Role of IT in Disaster Recovery
• The Ethics of Genetic Privacy
• The Impact of Technology on Gender Equality
• The Rise of Smart Grid Technology
• The Role of IT in Sustainable Agriculture
• The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Transportation
• The Impact of Technology on Indigenous Communities
• The Role of IT in Wildlife Monitoring
• The Ethics of Genetic Testing
• The Impact of Technology on Access to Education
• The Rise of Smart Energy Systems
• The Role of IT in Disaster Response Planning
• The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Finance
• The Impact of Technology on Social Justice
• The Role of IT in Conservation Biology
• The Rise of Smart Transportation Systems
• The Impact of Technology on Disability Rights
• The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Retail
• The Role of IT in Disaster Risk Reduction
• The Ethics of Genetic Modification
• The Impact of Technology on LGBTQ Rights
• The Rise of Smart Agriculture
• The Role of IT in Conservation Planning
• The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Customer Service
• The Impact of Technology on Refugee Rights

These are just a few of the many information technology essay topics you could explore. Whether you're interested in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, or any other aspect of IT, there are endless possibilities for research and writing. So pick a topic that interests you, do some research, and start writing your next IT essay today.

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Technology, jobs, and the future of work

The world of work is in a state of flux, which is causing considerable anxiety—and with good reason. There is growing polarization of labor-market opportunities between high- and low-skill jobs, unemployment and underemployment especially among young people, stagnating incomes for a large proportion of households, and income inequality. Migration and its effects on jobs has become a sensitive political issue in many advanced economies. And from Mumbai to Manchester, public debate rages about the future of work and whether there will be enough jobs to gainfully employ everyone.

The development of automation enabled by technologies including robotics and artificial intelligence brings the promise of higher productivity (and with productivity, economic growth), increased efficiencies, safety, and convenience. But these technologies also raise difficult questions about the broader impact of automation on jobs, skills, wages, and the nature of work itself.

Many activities that workers carry out today have the potential to be automated. At the same time, job-matching sites such as LinkedIn and Monster are changing and expanding the way individuals look for work and companies identify and recruit talent. Independent workers are increasingly choosing to offer their services on digital platforms including Upwork, Uber, and Etsy and, in the process, challenging conventional ideas about how and where work is undertaken.

For policy makers, business leaders, and workers themselves, these shifts create considerable uncertainty, alongside the potential benefits. This briefing note aims to provide a fact base on the multiple trends and forces buffeting the world of work drawing on recent research by the McKinsey Global Institute and others.

Table of contents

Developments in employment, income, and skills

How automation and technology are affecting work, the challenges of digitization—and possible solutions.

Challenges in labor markets are growing, household incomes in advanced economies have been stagnating, and there are increasing skill gaps among workers.

Labor markets are under strain, and talent is underutilized

Unemployment and underemployment are high around the world. In the United States and the 15 core European Union countries (EU-15), there are 285 million adults who are not in the labor force—and at least 100 million of them would like to work more. Some 30 to 45 percent of the working-age population around the world is underutilized—that is, unemployed, inactive, or underemployed. This translates into some 850 million people in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Brazil, China, and India alone. Most attention is paid to the unemployed portion of this number, and not enough to the underemployed and the inactive portions, which make up the majority of untapped human potential.

Almost 75 million youth are officially unemployed. Women represent one of the largest pools of untapped labor: globally, 655 million fewer women are economically active than men. In a “best-in-region” scenario in which all countries match the rate of improvement in gender gaps (in labor force participation, hours worked, and sector mix of employment) of the best-performing country in their region, $12 trillion more of annual GDP would be realized in 2025 , equivalent in size to the current GDP of Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom combined.

Household incomes in advanced economies have stagnated or fallen, fueling public disgruntlement

The vast majority of people derive incomes from jobs. In the United States, Western Europe, and across advanced economies, market incomes (from wages and capital) stagnated or fell for about two-thirds of households in 2005–14, a period marked by deep recession and slow recovery after the 2008 financial crisis. This was the first time incomes stopped advancing on such a scale since the stagflation era of the 1970s, and it may have helped stir popular opposition to globalization. The recession was a leading cause of the abrupt end to income advancement, but other longer-run factors also contributed, including a decline in the share of national income that is paid to workers, the so-called wage share. This has fallen across advanced economies despite rising productivity, suggesting a decoupling between productivity and incomes.

The decline is due in part to the growth of corporate profits as a share of national income, rising capital returns to technology investments, lower returns to labor from increased trade, rising rent incomes from home ownership, and increased depreciation on capital. Policy makers in the affected countries took action during the downturn to compensate for the income squeeze, in the former of lower taxes and higher transfers, but these were largely one-off measures to buoy disposable income in response to the recession, and not sustainable.

Globalization has brought numerous benefits, including lifting millions of people in emerging economies into the consuming class. But it also has had an impact in some sectors like manufacturing in advanced economies, with some jobs moving offshore. Better support could have been provided to help affected workers build new skills and transition into new sectors or occupations.

A survey we conducted in France, the United Kingdom, and the United States showed a significant proportion of those whose incomes stagnated are worried about their children’s economic prospects—a sharp departure after many decades in which it was an article of faith that every generation would enjoy higher living standards than their parents. Middle-income households have been the most affected, and young and less educated people are especially vulnerable. Across all age groups, medium- and low-skill workers have done worse than those with a college education. Many blame governments, global institutions, corporations, and establishment “elites” around the world, and the principles of free trade and open borders are under attack.

Getting practical about the future of work

Skills, jobs, and locations do not always match, limiting income-earning opportunities for many.

Educational systems have not kept pace with the changing nature of work, resulting in many employers saying they cannot find enough workers with the skills they need. In a McKinsey survey of young people and employers in nine countries, 40 percent of employers said lack of skills was the main reason for entry-level job vacancies. Sixty percent said that new graduates were not adequately prepared for the world of work. There were gaps in technical skills such as STEM subject degrees but also in soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and punctuality. Conversely, even those in work may not be realizing their potential. In a recent global survey of job seekers conducted by LinkedIn, 37 percent of respondents said their current job does not fully utilize their skills or provide enough challenge.

Some of the mismatching is locational: where there is demand for work, there may not be available and qualified workers to be found. This geographic mismatch can be seen across regions within countries, and between countries.

Cross-border migration fills some skill gaps but can create tensions

Cross-border migration has been a natural consequence of a world in which people do not find attractive work opportunities in their country of origin, at a time when other economies are not adequately filling their skills gaps. Migration boosts global productivity , but its consequences are often feared by native workers, who face labor market disconnects and a lack of well-paid jobs.

In 2015, approximately 247 million people lived in a country not of their birth—a number that has almost tripled in the past 50 years. Most have gravitated to places where they believe they will find better jobs . More than 90 percent have moved voluntarily, and about half have moved from developing to developed countries. In the period 2000 to 2014, migration has provided about 40 percent of labor force growth in Canada, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Migrants made an absolute contribution to global output of roughly $6.7 trillion, or 9.4 percent of global GDP in 2015. However, migrant workers, on average, earn wages that are 20 to 30 percent lower than those of comparable native-born workers. More effective integration approaches could lay the groundwork for economic gains of up to $1 trillion globally, benefiting both economies and individuals.

In the context of challenging labor market conditions, popular sentiment has moved against immigration. Surveys conducted by MGI suggest that a significant proportion of middle- and low-income groups in advanced economies who are experiencing flat or falling real incomes are pessimistic about the future and likely to hold particularly negative views about immigrants.

Back to top

New technologies have the potential to upend much of what we know about the way people work. But disruption is an opportunity as well as a challenge—given the promise of digital talent platforms and new options for independent work, for example.

Many activities that workers carry out today have the potential to be automated

Technological change has reshaped the workplace continually over the past two centuries since the Industrial Revolution, but the speed with which automation technologies are developing today, and the scale at which they could disrupt the world of work, are largely without precedent.

MGI research on the automation potential of the global economy, focusing on 46 countries representing about 80 percent of the global workforce, has examined more than 2,000 work activities and quantified the technical feasibility of automating each of them. The proportion of occupations that can be fully automated using currently demonstrated technology is actually small—less than 5 percent. An additional important finding is that even if whole occupations are not automated, partial automation (where only some activities that make up an occupation are automated) will affect almost all occupations to a greater or lesser degree. The impact will be felt not just by factory workers and clerks but also by landscape gardeners and dental lab technicians, fashion designers, insurance sales representatives, and even CEOs.

We find that about 60 percent of all occupations have at least 30 percent of activities that are technically automatable , based on currently demonstrated technologies. This means that most occupations will change, and more people will have to work with technology. Highly skilled workers working with technology will benefit. While low-skilled workers working with technology will be able to achieve more in terms of output and productivity, these workers may experience wage pressure, given the potentially larger supply of similarly low-skilled workers, unless demand for the occupation grows more than the expansion in labor supply.

On a global scale, we calculate that the adaptation of currently demonstrated automation technologies could affect 50 percent of the world economy , or 1.2 billion employees and $14.6 trillion in wages. Just four countries—China, India, Japan, and the United States—account for just over half of these totals. There are sizable differences in automation potential between countries, based mainly on the structure of their economies, the relative level of wages, and the size and dynamics of the workforce.

As machines evolve and acquire more advanced performance capabilities that match or exceed human capabilities, the adoption of automation will pick up. However, the technical feasibility to automate does not automatically translate into the deployment of automation in the workplace and the automation of jobs. Technical potential is only the first of several elements that must be considered. A second element is the cost of developing and deploying both the hardware and the software for automation. The supply-and-demand dynamics of labor are a third factor: if workers with sufficient skills for the given occupation are in abundant supply and significantly less expensive than automation, this could slow the rate of adoption. A fourth to be considered are the benefits of automation beyond labor substitution—including higher levels of output, better quality and fewer errors, and capabilities that surpass human ability.

Finally, regulatory and social issues, such as the degree to which machines are acceptable in any particular setting, must also be weighed. It is for these various reasons that go beyond purely technical feasibility of automation that our estimates for “whole-job” automation are lower than other estimates. Our scenarios suggest that it may take at least two decades before automation reaches 50 percent of all of today’s work activities, taking into account regions where wages are relatively low.

Technology can help labor markets: Digital talent platforms improve matching between workers and jobs

Digital talent platforms have the potential to improve the ways workers and jobs are matched, creating transparency and efficiency in labor markets, and potentially raising GDP. They can raise labor participation and working hours; evidence from around the world suggests that some people would work more hours if they could. A US survey, for example, reports that three-quarters of stay-at-home mothers would be likely to work if they had flexible options. Even if a small fraction of inactive youth and adults use these platforms to work a few hours per week, the economic impact would be significant.

With their powerful search capabilities and sophisticated screening algorithms, online talent platforms can also speed the hiring process and cut the time individuals spend searching between jobs, reducing unemployment. By aggregating data on candidates and job openings across entire countries or regions, they may address some geographic mismatches and enable matches that otherwise would not have come about.

Finally, online talent platforms help put the right people in the right jobs, thereby increasing their productivity along with their job satisfaction. They can draw people who are engaged in informal work into formal employment, especially in emerging economies. Both of these effects could increase output per worker, raising global GDP.

Digitally-enabled independent work is on the rise

While independent work is nothing new (and self-employment is still the predominant form of work in emerging economies), the digital enablement of it is. MGI research finds that 20 to 30 percent of the working age population in the United States and the European Union is engaged in independent work . Just over half of these workers supplement their income and have traditional jobs, or are students, retirees, or caregivers. While 70 percent choose this type of work, 30 percent use it out of necessity because they cannot find a traditional job at all, or one that meets their income and flexibility needs. The proportion of independent work that is conducted on digital platforms, while only about 15 percent of independent work overall, is growing rapidly, driven by the scale, efficiency, and ease of use for workers and customers that these platforms enable. Such platforms include Uber, Etsy, Didi, and others. While those who pursue independent work (digitally enabled or not) out of preference are generally satisfied; those who pursue it out of necessity are unsatisfied with the income variability and the lack of benefits typically associated with traditional work. Policy makers and innovators will need to grapple with solutions to these challenges.

Not to be forgotten—technology creates new jobs and income possibilities

Even while technologies replace some jobs, they are creating new work in industries that most of us cannot even imagine, and new ways to generate income. One-third of new jobs created in the United States in the past 25 years were types that did not exist, or barely existed, in areas including IT development, hardware manufacturing, app creation, and IT systems management. The net impact of new technologies on employment can be strongly positive. A 2011 study by McKinsey’s Paris office found that the Internet had destroyed 500,000 jobs in France in the previous 15 years—but at the same time had created 1.2 million others, a net addition of 700,000, or 2.4 jobs created for every job destroyed. The growing role of big data in the economy and business will create a significant need for statisticians and data analysts; we estimate a shortfall of up to 250,000 data scientists in the United States alone in a decade.

Digital technology also can enable new forms of entrepreneurial activity. Workers in small businesses and self-employed occupations can benefit from higher income earning opportunities. A new category of knowledge-enabled jobs will become possible as machines embed intelligence and knowledge that less-skilled workers can access with a little training. In India, for example, Google is rolling out the Internet Saathi (Friends of the Internet) program in which rural women are trained to use the Internet, and then become local agents who provide services in their villages through Internet-enabled devices. The services include working as local distributors for telecom products (phones, SIM cards, and data packs), field data collectors for research agencies, financial-services agents, and paratechnicians who help local people access government schemes and benefits through an Internet-based device.

We have yet to reach the full potential of digitization across the global economy. Making sure that digital gains are accessible to all could provide significant value. And though other challenges, too, remain, they could be addressed by exploring several solution spaces—for instance, through evolving education systems or by pursuing public-private partnerships to stimulate investment in enabling infrastructure.

We are only starting to capture the opportunities from digitizing economies at the sector and company level

Digital technologies are creating major new opportunities for workers and companies, in both advanced and developing economies, but there are significant variations within and across countries and sectors. Our use of the term digitization (and our measurement of it), encompasses:

• Digitization of assets, including infrastructure, connected machines, data, and data platforms;
• Digitization of operations, including processes, payments and business models, and customer and supply chain interactions; and
• Digitization of the workforce, including worker use of digital tools, digitally skilled workers, and new digital jobs and roles.

In measuring each of these various aspects of digitization, we find relatively large disparities even among big companies Based on these measures, a few sectors are highly digitized—for example, financial services, media, and the tech sector itself. These tend to be among the sectors with the highest productivity growth and wage growth. Many others are much less digitized, including healthcare, education, and even retail. These tend to be the largest share of the economy in terms of GDP and the lowest-productivity sectors. Similarly, companies are digitizing unevenly.

Companies that are digital leaders in their sectors have faster revenue growth and higher productivity than their less-digitized peers. Their profits and margins can increase three times as fast, and workers within these companies enjoy double the wage growth. Digitization will continue to change how companies organize work, as well as the mix of work in any given sector. All this will require ongoing adaptation and transition by workers in terms of skills, activities, companies, and even the sectors they work in.

Clearly, we are still in the early stages of how sectors and companies use digital technologies, and there is considerable unevenness. From country to country, too, there are significant divergences. Overall, for example, we estimate that the United States has captured only 18 percent of its potential from digital technologies, while Europe has captured only 12 percent . Emerging economies are even further behind, with countries in the Middle East and Brazil capturing less than 10 percent of their digital potential.

More than half the world’s population is still offline, limiting the potential to benefit from digital

Rapid technology adoption can unlock huge economic value, even as it implies major need for retraining and redeployment of labor. In India, for example, digital technologies provide the foundation for many innovations that could contribute $550 billion to $1 trillion of economic impact per year in 2025. However, the value of digitization that is captured depends on how many people and businesses have access to it.

More than four billion people, or over half of the world’s population, is still offline . About 75 percent of this offline population is concentrated in 20 countries, including Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Tanzania, and is disproportionately rural, low income, elderly, illiterate, and female. The value of connecting these people is significant, and as they enter the global digital economy, the world of work will transform in fundamental ways and at an unprecedented pace. Access to the technology alone is not enough; even in countries where a large majority of the population has access, the literacy and skills needed to capture digital gains are sometimes limited.

How to positively affect the future of work: Solution spaces

The disruptions to the world of work that digital technologies are likely to bring about could pose significant challenges to policy makers and business leaders, as well as workers. There are several solution spaces to consider:

References and further reading

McKinsey Global Institute research reports are available on www.mckinsey.com/mgi . For this briefing note, we have drawn on the following reports:

“ A future that works: Automation, employment, and productivity ,” McKinsey Global Institute, January 2017

“ People on the move: Global migration’s impact and opportunity ,” McKinsey Global Institute, December 2016

“ Independent work: Choice, necessity, and the gig economy ,” McKinsey Global Institute, October 2016

“ Where machines could replace humans, and where they can’—yet ,” McKinsey Quarterly, July 2016

“ Digital America: A tale of the haves and have-mores ,” McKinsey Global Institute, December 2015

“ The four fundamentals of automation ,” McKinsey Quarterly , November 2015

“ The power of parity: How advancing women’s equality can add $12 trillion to global growth ,” McKinsey Global Institute, September 2015

“ A labor market that works: Connecting talent with opportunity in the digital age ,” McKinsey Global Institute, June 2015

“ Offline and falling behind: Barriers to Internet adoption ,” McKinsey & Company, October 2014

Other reading:

Autor, David, “ Why are there still so many jobs? The history and future of workplace automation ,” Journal of Economic Perspectives , Summer 2015

Autor, David, David Dorn, and Gordon Hanson, “ Untangling trade and technology: Evidence from local labor markets ,” The Economic Journal , May 2015

Brynjolffson, Erik and Andrew McAfee, The second machine age: Work, progress, and prosperity in a time of brilliant technologies , WW Norton, 2014

Furman, Jason, “ Is this time different? The opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence ,” remarks at AI conference in New York, July 7, 2016

Milanovic, Branko, Global inequality: A new approach for the age of globalization , Harvard University Press, 2016

Sundararajan, Arun, The sharing economy: The end of employment and the rise of crowd,   MIT Press, 2016

• Evolve education systems and learning for a changed workplace. Policy makers working with education providers (traditional and nontraditional) could do more to improve basic STEM skills through the school systems, put a new emphasis on creativity as well as critical and systems thinking, and foster adaptive and life-long learning.
• Determine how the private sector can drive training. Companies face gaps in skills they need in a more technology-enabled workplace. They could benefit from playing a more active role in education and training, including providing better information about needs to learners and the education and training ecosystem, and proving better learning opportunities themselves.
• Create incentives for private-sector investment to treat human capital like other capital. Through tax benefits and other incentives, policy makers can encourage companies to invest in human capital, including job creation, learning and capability building, and wage growth.
• Explore public-private partnerships to stimulate investment in enabling infrastructure. The lack of digital infrastructure is holding back digital benefits in many economies, both developing and developed; public-private partnerships could help address market failures.
• Rethink incomes. If automation (full or partial) does result in a significant reduction in employment or greater pressure on wages, some ideas such as universal basic income, conditional transfers, and adapted social safety nets could be considered and tested.
• Rethink transition support and safety nets for workers affected. As work evolves at higher rates of change between sectors, locations, activities, and skill requirements, many workers will need assistance adjusting. Many best-practice approaches to transition safety nets are available and should be adopted and adapted, and new approaches considered and tested.
• Embrace technology-enabled solutions. Such solutions, including richer information signals, can be used in the labor market to improve matching and access and bridge skills gaps. Policy makers will need to address issues such as benefits and variability that these digital platforms can raise.
• Focus on job creation. Accelerate the creation of jobs in general through stimulating investment in businesses, and accelerate the creation of digital jobs in particular—and digitally enabled opportunities to earn income—including through new forms of entrepreneurship.
• Innovate how humans work alongside machines. Greater interaction will raise productivity but require different and often higher skills, new technology interfaces, different wage models in some cases, and different types of investments by businesses and workers to acquire skills.
• Capture the productivity benefits of technology. These can be harnessed to create the economic growth, surpluses, and demand for work that create room for creative solutions and ultimately benefit all.

This briefing note was originally prepared for the Fortune + Time Global Forum in Vatican City in December 2016; it was updated in May 2017.

Stay current on your favorite topics

James Manyika is director of the McKinsey Global Institute and a senior partner in McKinsey’s San Francisco office. MGI partners Michael Chui , Anu Madgavkar , and Susan Lund contributed to this briefing note.

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Related articles.

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Where machines could replace humans—and where they can’t (yet)

Independent work: Choice, necessity, and the gig economy

Information Technology and the U.S. Workforce: Where Are We and Where Do We Go from Here? (2017)

Chapter: 7 conclusion, 7 conclusion.

Progress in many of the basic computing and information technologies has been rapid in recent years, and the committee does not expect the pace of change to slow down in the foreseeable future. While some technologies are reaching maturity now, many important technologies have enormous future potential. As more of the world’s information is digitized and more people and things are networked, the economics of the digital, networked economy will become ever more important. This includes the ability to make copies of goods and services at almost zero cost and deliver them anywhere on the planet almost instantaneously. Furthermore, digitization of products, services, processes, and interactions makes it possible to measure and manage work with far more precision. Data-driven decision making and machine learning provide vast opportunities for improving productivity, efficiency, accuracy, and innovation.

The committee expects important innovations to come in the area of artifical intelligence (AI) and robotics. Several decades ago, humans were unable to converse with machines using ordinary speech; now it is done routinely. Machines are learning to effectively translate from one language to another, a task once seen only in science fiction. We are moving from an era where machines were blind, unable to recognize even simple objects, to an era where they can distinguish faces, read street signs, and understand the content of photographs as well as—or better than—humans. They are being put to work reading X-ray and MRI images, advising doctors on potential drug interactions, helping lawyers

sift through documents, and composing simple stories about sports and finance for newspapers. Machines are becoming much better at reasoning and can now defeat the best humans at most games of skill, from checkers and chess to trivia and Go. Machines are learning to drive cars, which could potentially save thousands of lives in the United States and millions worldwide. Bipedal robots are learning to navigate stairs and uneven terrain, while their cheetah-like brethren can outrun even the fastest humans. Many of the technologies with the greatest impact will likely look unlike any human or animal, but will transport shelves of inventory throughout warehouses, assemble basic electronics in factories, fly to disaster zones with medicine, swim beneath the waves to gather data for oceanographers, and haunt computer networks in search of cyberattacks. In fact, many of these exist in some form already, although they are likely to become more widespread and more competent.

While there are undoubtedly important technological breakthroughs to come, it is critical to note that the technologies that exist today and those under active development have important implications for the workforce. They create opportunities for new products, services, organizational processes, and business models as well as opportunities for automating existing tasks, even whole occupations. Many cognitive and physical tasks will be replaced by machines. At the same time, we expect new job opportunities to emerge as increasingly capable combinations of humans and machines attack problems that previously have been intractable.

Advances in IT and automation will present opportunities to boost America’s overall income and wealth, improve health care, shorten the work week, develop new goods and services, and increase product safety and reliability.

These same advances could also lead to growing inequality, decreased job stability, increasing demands on workers to change jobs, and changes in business organization. There are also important implications for other aspects of society, both intended and unintended, not the least of which include potentially profound changes in education, privacy, security, social relationships, and even democracy.

The ultimate effects of these technologies are not predetermined. Rather, like all tools, computing and information technologies can be used in many different ways. The outcomes for the workforce and society at large depend on our choices. Technology can be a powerful tool. What do we want for our future society? How do we decide this?

Potential future technological capabilities and innovations are largely unpredictable, and their implications and interactions are complex. Investing in extensive and effective data gathering, a robust infrastructure for analyzing these data, and multidisciplinary research will enable a deeper

understanding of emerging changes in technology and the workforce. The results of this research will inform the adoption of policies that will help maximize the resilience and prosperity of the institutions, organizations, and individuals in our society.

Recent years have yielded significant advances in computing and communication technologies, with profound impacts on society. Technology is transforming the way we work, play, and interact with others. From these technological capabilities, new industries, organizational forms, and business models are emerging.

Technological advances can create enormous economic and other benefits, but can also lead to significant changes for workers. IT and automation can change the way work is conducted, by augmenting or replacing workers in specific tasks. This can shift the demand for some types of human labor, eliminating some jobs and creating new ones. Information Technology and the U.S. Workforce explores the interactions between technological, economic, and societal trends and identifies possible near-term developments for work. This report emphasizes the need to understand and track these trends and develop strategies to inform, prepare for, and respond to changes in the labor market. It offers evaluations of what is known, notes open questions to be addressed, and identifies promising research pathways moving forward.

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Research Roundup: How Technology Is Transforming Work

• Dagny Dukach

New studies explore its impact on hiring, employee experience, and more.

Digital technologies promise to bring new levels of productivity and efficiency in a wide variety of applications and organizations. But how are they transforming the experience of the employees who actually interact with them every day? In this research roundup, we share highlights from several recent studies that explore the nuanced ways in which technology is influencing today’s workplace and workforce — including both its undeniable benefits and substantial risks.

From AI recruiting tools to industrial automation and robotic assistants, new digital technologies are transforming the modern workplace. Many of these systems promise to improve efficiency, productivity, and well-being — but how are they actually affecting the people who interact with them every day?

• Dagny Dukach is a former associate editor at Harvard Business Review.

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Information Technology - Free Essay Samples And Topic Ideas

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Essay Samples on Information Technology

The benefits of information technology: empowering the modern world.

This essay has examined the myriad benefits of information technology, emphasizing its transformative impact on various sectors and aspects of modern society. As IT continues to evolve, its potential to further enhance our lives and the world remains immense. Introduction The advent of Information Technology...

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Issues and Challenges in Information Technology: Exploring the Landscape

Introduction This essay has shed light on the array of issues and challenges that arise within the realm of Information Technology. It emphasizes the importance of proactive measures, ethical considerations, and collaborative efforts to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape. The rapid advancement of...

• Modern Technology

Information Technology in Education: Empowering Learning in the Digital Age

This essay has explored the transformative role of information technology in education, emphasizing its potential to enhance learning experiences, foster collaboration, and prepare students for the challenges of the digital age. It underscores the importance of embracing technology as a catalyst for educational innovation and...

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The Future of Information Technology: Navigating the Digital Frontier

This essay has provided insights into the potential future of information technology, highlighting the transformative technologies and challenges that await us as we navigate the digital landscape. Introduction The landscape of Information Technology (IT) is continually evolving, shaping the way we live, work, and interact....

The Advantages of Information Technology: Transforming the Modern World

This essay has delved into the extensive advantages of information technology, highlighting its critical role in shaping various aspects of modern society. As IT continues to evolve, its potential to further enhance our lives and the world remains immense. Introduction In the modern era, information...

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Disadvantages of Information Technology: Navigating Digital Downsides

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1. The Benefits of Information Technology: Empowering the Modern World

2. Issues and Challenges in Information Technology: Exploring the Landscape

3. Information Technology in Education: Empowering Learning in the Digital Age

4. The Future of Information Technology: Navigating the Digital Frontier

5. The Advantages of Information Technology: Transforming the Modern World

6. Disadvantages of Information Technology: Navigating Digital Downsides

7. The History of Information Technology: From Abacus to AI

8. The Ubiquitous Role of Information Technology in Daily Life

9. The Evolution of Information Technology Entrepreneurship

10. The Ethical Behavior When Using Information Communication And Technology

11. Overview Of Information And Communication Technology In Bangladesh Context

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Technology in the workplace: research and commentary

Publications and commentary about how technology is changing the workplace and what it means for employment relations.

Research and discussion papers

My boss the algorithm: an ethical look at algorithms in the workplace.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Workplace — The Use of Technology in the Workplace, Its Advantages and Disadvantages

The Use of Technology in The Workplace, Its Advantages and Disadvantages

• Categories: Impact of Technology Workplace

About this sample

Words: 1140 |

Published: Oct 22, 2018

Words: 1140 | Pages: 3 | 6 min read

Table of contents

What is technology, present context, disadvantages, works cited:.

• Hurlbert, J. S. (2011). Pursuing justice: An introduction to justice studies. Wilfrid Laurier University Press.
• Hurlbert, J. S., & Mulvale, J. P. (2011). The meanings of justice: An introduction. In Pursuing justice: An introduction to justice studies (pp. 1-18). Wilfrid Laurier University Press.
• Levin, B., & Lavy, E. (2018). Sentencing reform is critical for youth in the justice system. The Hill Times. https://www.hilltimes.com/2018/05/28/sentencing-reform-critical-youth-justice-system/143165
• Heritage Canada. (2017). The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/how-rights-protected/charter.html
• Walzer, M. (1983). Spheres of justice: A defense of pluralism and equality. Basic Books.
• Rawls, J. (1971). A theory of justice. Harvard University Press.
• Sen, A. (1999). Development as freedom. Oxford University Press.
• Nussbaum, M. C. (2000). Women and human development: The capabilities approach. Cambridge University Press.
• Goodin, R. E. (1980). Utilitarianism as a public philosophy. Cambridge University Press.
• Freeman, M. (2011). Distributive justice. John Wiley & Sons.

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Essay on Information Technology in 400 Words

• Updated on  
• Apr 26, 2024

Essay on Information Technology: Information Technology is the study of computer systems and telecommunications for storing, retrieving, and transmitting information using the Internet. Today, we rely on information technology to collect and transfer data from and on the internet. Say goodbye to the conventional lifestyle and hello to the realm of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).

Check out all the latest updates on all board exams 2024

Also Read: Essay on Internet

Scientific discoveries have given birth to Information Technology (IT), which has revolutionized our way of living. Sudden developments in technology have given a boost to IT growth, which has changed the entire world. Students are taught online using smartboards, virtual meetings are conducted between countries to enhance diplomatic ties, online surveys are done to spread social awareness, e-commerce platforms are used for online shopping, etc.

Information Technology has made sharing and collecting information at our fingertips easier. We can learn new things with just a click. IT tools have enhanced global communication, through which we can foster economic cooperation and innovation. Almost every business in the world relies on Information Technology for growth and development. The addiction to information technology is thriving throughout the world.

Also Read: Essay on 5G Technology

• Everyday activities like texting, calling, and video chatting have made communication more efficient.
• E-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart have become a source of online shopping.
• E-learning platforms have made education more accessible.
• The global economy has significantly improved.
• The healthcare sector has revolutionized with the introduction of Electronic Health Records (EHR) and telemedicine.
• Local businesses have expanded into global businesses. 
• Access to any information on the internet in real-time.

Also Read: Essay on Mobile Phone

Disadvantages

Apart from the above-mentioned advantages of Information Technology, there are some disadvantages also.

• Cybersecurity and data breaches are one of the most important issues.
• There is a digital divide in people having access to information technology.
• Our over-relying attitude towards the IT sector makes us vulnerable to technical glitches, system failures and cyber-attacks.
• Excessive use of electronic devices and exposure to screens contribute to health issues.
• Short lifecycles of electronic devices due to rapid changes in technological developments.
• Challenges like copyright infringement and intellectual property will rise because of ease in digital reproduction and distribution.
• Our traditional ways of entertainment have been transformed by online streaming platforms, where we can watch movies and play games online.

The modern world heavily relies on information technology. Indeed, it has fundamentally reshaped our way of living and working, but, we also need to strike a balance between its use and overuse. We must pay attention to the challenges it brings for a sustainable and equitable society.

Also Read: Essay on Technology

Paragraph on Information Technology

Also Read: Essay on Wonder of Science

Short Essay on Information Technology

Check out the short essay on information technology from below:

Also Read: I Love My India Essay: 100 and 500+ Words in English for School Students

Ans: Information technology is an indispensable part of our lives and has revolutionized the way we connect, work, and live. The IT sector involves the use of computers and electronic gadgets to store, transmit, and retrieve data. In recent year, there has been some rapid changes in the IT sector, which has transformed the world into a global village, where information can be exchanged in real-time across vast distances.

Ans: The IT sector is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world. The IT sector includes IT services, e-commerce, the Internet, Software, and Hardware products. IT sector helps boost productivity and efficiency. Computer applications and digital systems have allowed people to perform multiple tasks at a faster rate. IT sector creates new opportunities for everyone; businesses, professionals, and consumers.

Ans: There are four basic concepts of the IT sector: Information security, business software development, computer technical support, and database and network management.

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Apple’s New iPad Ad Leaves Its Creative Audience Feeling … Flat

An ad meant to show how the updated device can do many things has become a metaphor for a community’s fears of the technology industry.

By Tripp Mickle

Tripp Mickle has been writing about Apple since 2016.

The trumpet is the first thing to be squished. Then the industrial compressor flattens a row of paint cans, buckles a piano and levels what appears to be a marble bust. In a final act of destruction, it pops the eyes out of a ball-shaped yellow emoji.

When the compressor rises, it reveals Apple’s latest commodity: the updated iPad Pro.

Tim Cook, Apple’s chief executive, posted the advertisement, called “Crush,” on Tuesday after the company held an event to announce new tablets. “Meet the new iPad Pro: the thinnest product we’ve ever created,” Mr. Cook wrote, adding, “Just imagine all the things it’ll be used to create.”

Meet the new iPad Pro: the thinnest product we’ve ever created, the most advanced display we’ve ever produced, with the incredible power of the M4 chip. Just imagine all the things it’ll be used to create. pic.twitter.com/6PeGXNoKgG — Tim Cook (@tim_cook) May 7, 2024

For decades, Apple has been the toast of the creative class. It has won over designers, musicians and film editors with promises that its products would help them “Think Different.”

But some creators took a different message from the one-minute iPad ad. Rather than seeing a device that could help them create, as Mr. Cook suggested, they saw a metaphor for how Big Tech has cashed in on their work by crushing or co-opting the artistic tools that humanity has used for centuries.

The image was especially unnerving at a time when artists fear that generative artificial intelligence, which can write poetry and create movies, might take away their jobs.

“It’s unusual in its cruelty,” said Justin Ouellette, a software designer in Portland, Ore., who does animation work and is a longtime Apple product user. “A lot of people see this as a betrayal of its commitment to human creative expression and a tone deafness to the pressures those artists feel at this time.”

Apple didn’t respond to requests for comment.

It was the latest in a series of recent promotional slip-ups by a company that is widely considered to be a marketing juggernaut. Its marketing of the Apple Vision Pro , released in January, struggled to help that device break through with many customers. Last year, Apple was criticized for making an awkward sketch that cast Octavia Spencer as Mother Earth , lording over a corporate meeting about the company’s effort to become carbon neutral by 2030.

Apple has been regarded as an advertising visionary since the 1980s. Its “ 1984” Super Bowl commercial to introduce the Macintosh computer is among the most famous commercials ever made. The ad, which was developed by the Chiat/Day agency, showed an actor throwing a sledgehammer through a screen projecting the face of a “Big Brother” figure that was meant to be a metaphor for IBM.

When Steve Jobs returned to Apple in 1997 after 12 years away, he sought to reclaim its marketing magic. Together he and Lee Clow, the advertising creative behind the “1984” spot, developed the “Think Different” campaign. It paved the way to the famous “Get a Mac” spots, featuring a Mac and PC , and the original iPhone ad , which showed people in classic films and television shows picking up a phone and saying, “Hello.”

Apple’s marketing pitched its products as easy to use. It billed PCs and Android phones as devices for business executives working on spreadsheets, while Macs and iPhones were tools for film editors, photographers and writers.

But Apple’s advertising has been uneven over the last dozen years or so. It yanked a 2012 campaign that showcased its Apple Store “geniuses” on planes. Critics dismissed a subsequent spot, “Designed by Apple in California,” as “ lame .”

In the wake of those hiccups, Mr. Cook shifted oversight of advertising from Phil Schiller, the company’s longtime head of marketing, to Tor Myhren, a former president and chief creative officer at Grey, the ad agency that created the E-Trade baby.

Under Mr. Myhren, who joined in 2016, Apple has developed some of its ads with its own creative team and others in collaboration with an outside agency, Media Arts Lab. It has been recognized at the Cannes Lions Awards, the leading event for the ad industry, for a spot on AirPods called “Bounce,” which showed a man bounding off the sidewalk as he listened to music. Last year, Apple was named Creative Brand of the Year because of its “R.I.P. Leon” ad, in which a man sent an iPhone message saying a lizard in his care had died, then deleted it when the lizard suddenly rolled over off its back.

Mr. Myhren and Media Arts Lab didn’t respond to requests for comment about who was behind the “Crush” spot.

Michael J. Miraflor, the chief brand officer at Hannah Grey, a venture capital firm, said on X that Apple’s ad had effectively offended and turned off its core customer base, achieving the opposite of what it had done with its “1984” commercial.

“It’s not even that it’s boring or banal,” Mr. Miraflor wrote . “It makes me feel … bad? Bummed out?”

Tripp Mickle reports on Apple and Silicon Valley for The Times and is based in San Francisco. His focus on Apple includes product launches, manufacturing issues and political challenges. He also writes about trends across the tech industry, including layoffs, generative A.I. and robot taxis. More about Tripp Mickle