Abstract
As described by the International Labour Organization (ILO), decent work entails productive work that gives employees equality, fair income, personal development, security, social protection, social integration, freedom of expression, representation and full participation. The construct of decent work also relates to the quality of work, quality of the work environment, meaning of work and the well-being of employees. Decent work should also satisfy the expectations and aspirations of employees.
Research proposes that the adoption of digital technologies by industry has changed the industrial work paradigm by increasing employee autonomy and flexibility, thereby transforming the nature of work and the workplace by causing it to be less regimented and hierarchical. In other words, AI allows for less micromanagement of employees. However, while there are positive assessments of the advantages and benefits of AI adoption by industry, the challenges and tensions triggered by the adoption of digital technologies have not been fully addressed.
This study focused on employee experiences of decent work and how work environments utilising AI technology influences these experiences of decent work. This study used a phenomenological research methodology with an interpretivist epistemology. The sample comprised 10 participants. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The five decent work dimensions (access to healthcare, safe working conditions, hours that allow for free time and rest, adequate compensation, organisational values that complement personal and family values) were explored for each theme.
The findings indicate that the employees found their working conditions to be physically safe. Although many of the participants had access to medical insurance, some still...