ALGOSH: Algorithmic management at work - challenges, opportunities and strategies for occupational safety and health and wellbeing

Algorithms are changing the World of Work: from the tasks that consitute work to how it is organised and governed.

Lack of data and knowledge about the impacts of algorithmic management (AM) on work and workers pose a societal challenge today.

This deficit is particularly pronounced outside of platform work - in economic sectors where the use of AM is growing, such as logistics, including transport, storage and delivery services and the retail and hospitality industry.

In both platform and non-platform work there is a lack of research about the effects of AM on the work environment and workers’ health and well-being.

Therefore, the overall aim of this multi-disciplinary research program is to improve data and knowledge about algorithmic management in non-platform sectors and its effects on health, safety, and well-being, as well as develop risk-reducing tools and strategies by:Facilitating the development of a standard for measurement of algorithmic management at work and related risks for health, safety and well-being.Increasing knowledge about the effects of algorithmic management on workers’ health, safety, and well-being.Investigating the balance of interests related to the control of algorithms in different legal contexts regarding occupational health and safety (OSH).The proposed program will contribute with enhanced data and knowledge about challenges and opportunities of AM to safety, health and well-being as well as evidence-based tools and strategies to be used by stakeholders in discussions and action related to AM.

The program applies multiple methods including quantitative, qualitative, literature reviews and participatory research.The program will be performed by an international and multidisciplinary team of researchers, involving experts in human-computer-interaction, cognitive ergonomics, labour economics, political science, occupational epidemiology, comparative labour law, industrial relations, work organization and psychology.