Intelligent machines and human worker inequities: examining the implications of AI in the workplace
Reasons for the study
There is a critical need for transdisciplinary and partnered research to unpack how workplace AI (artificial Intelligence) applications can contribute to worker inequities and to innovate strategies that protect vulnerable workers.
AI is rapidly transforming all aspects of work. However, it is unclear in what ways AI will impact existing worker inequities. It is estimated that, compared to past periods of technological change (for example, the industrial revolution), advanced technologies like AI are disrupting work at a rate that is ten times faster rate and 300 times greater in scale.
This study applies an equity lens to the analysis of this technological and socio-economic development. It aims to iIlluminate the impact of AI on both working conditions and workers, estimate the reach of these impacts on occupations and populations, and determine the extent to which existing workers' supports address these disparities.
Objectives of the study
- Examine and synthesize diverse evidence sources to build a framework showing how workplace AI applications affect working conditions in ways that contribute to worker inequities
- Develop an analytical process to estimate the proportion of Canadian occupations and industry sectors affected by AI and identify groups of vulnerable workers
- Review existing public policies and programs to determine the extent to which supports for workers address the growing application of AI and its impact on vulnerable workers
- Build research and stakeholder capacity at the intersection of work, equity and AI
Target audience
Diverse academic and non-academic audiences, the latter including labour market policy-makers, employers, workers and their representatives
Related research summaries
- Which workers and jobs will be most affected by machine learning?. Research Highlights: Institute for Work & Health, November 2024.
Related scientific publications
- Jetha A. Machine learning and the labour market: A portrait of occupational and worker inequities in Canada. Institute for Work & Health; 2024.
Related interviews and articles
- IWH researchers create roadmap for AI research that prioritizes worker health. At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 113, Summer 2023.
- AI is reshaping the workplace – but what does it mean for the health and well-being of workers?. Canadian Manufacturing. August 29, 2023. Available from: https://www.canadianmanufacturing.com/features/ai-is-reshaping-the-workplace-but-what-does-it-mean-for-the-health-and-well-being-of-workers/
- Launching a research program on AI, work and health. At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 111, Winter 2023.
Project status
Ongoing
Research team
Collaborators and partners
Blueprint-ADE
Brookfield Institute for Innovation + Entrepreneurship
Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
Center for Work, Health, and Well-being (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health)
Future Skills Centre
Labour Market Information Council
Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion (Public Health Ontario)
Responsible Artificial Intelligence (Toronto Metropolitan University)
Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society
Statistics Canada
Unifor
United Steelworkers
Funded by
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC); Future Skills Centre