Labor Disruptions under the Ascendancy of Digital Technologies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47604/jhrl.3245Keywords:
Digital Technologies, Labor Disruptions, Productivity, Job Displacement, Skills GapAbstract
Purpose: This study aimed to assess the impact of labor disruptions caused by the rise of digital technologies on workers and organizations, considering both opportunities and challenges.
Methodology: A systematic review of literature was conducted, analyzing research from peer-reviewed journals, industry reports, and case studies. The review focused on key themes such as productivity, job displacement, skill development, and mental health challenges related to digital technologies.
Findings: According to the study findings, digital technologies significantly boosted productivity and created new job opportunities in emerging fields, while also offering greater work flexibility. However, these advancements also led to job displacement, widened the skills gap, exacerbated income inequality, and contributed to mental health issues, especially among older workers.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: It is recommended that organizations implement upskilling programs to close the skills gap and provide mental health support. Institutions should develop policies that promote work-life balance. Governments are advised to introduce measures to mitigate income inequality and assist displaced workers in transitioning to new roles. This study provides a comprehensive review of the dual effects of digital technologies on labor markets, offering valuable insights for organizations, policymakers, and governments to manage the challenges while capitalizing on the opportunities presented by digital transformations.
Downloads
References
African Development Bank (AfDB). (2021). Bridging the digital gender divide in Africa: Leveraging the power of innovation and technology. African Development Bank. https://www.afdb.org
Bertani, F., Raberto, M. and Teglio, A. (2020) The productivity and unemployment effects of the digital transformation: An empirical and modelling assessment - review of evolutionary political economy, SpringerLink. Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43253-020-00022-3 (Accessed: 07 September 2024).
Bimber, B. (1990). Karl Marx and the three faces of technological determinism. Social studies of science, 20(2), 333-351.
Central Bank of Kenya. (2022). Annual Report 2022. https://www.centralbank.go.ke/reports
Drew, R. (2016). Technological determinism. A companion to popular culture, 165-183.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2022). Digital agriculture and rural development in Kenya. Food and Agriculture Organization. https://www.fao.org
International Labour Organization (ILO). (2021). Automation and the future of work in Africa: The case of Kenya. International Labour Organization. https://www.ilo.org
International Labour Organization. (2021). Automation and Future of Work in Developing Economies. ILO.
Kemp, S. (2024) Digital 2024: Kenya - DataReportal – Global Digital Insights, DataReportal. Available at: https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2024-kenya (Accessed: 07 September 2024).
Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM). (2022). The impact of automation on Kenya’s manufacturing sector. Kenya Association of Manufacturers. https://www.kam.co.ke
Kenya Association of Manufacturers. (2021). The Future of Automation in Manufacturing. KAM.
Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD). (2023). Digital skills development in Kenya’s education system: Progress and challenges. Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development. https://www.kicd.ac.ke
Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. (2023). Labor Force Report 2023. KNBS.
Kimenyi, M. (2022). AI in Healthcare: The Future of Diagnostics in Kenya. African Journal of Health Sciences, 29(1), 112-125.
Mariah, S., Sari, A.S., & Kaharsyah, A. (2025). The Role of Industry Partnerships in Advancing Vocational Training Programs: Challenges and Opportunities. The Journal of Academic Studies.
Marlar, G.J. (no date) Assessing the Impact of New Technologies on the Labor Market: Key Constructs, Gaps, and Data Collection Strategies for the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Available at: https://www.bls.gov/bls/congressional-reports/assessing-the-impact-of-new-technologies-on-the-labor-market.htm (Accessed: 07 September 2024).
Ministry of Information, Communication, and Technology. (2023). Digital Skills Gap Report. Government of Kenya.
Quiroz Villanueva, M.J., Guglielmi, F., & De Fabiis, F. (2025). Social and Economic Impacts of Transportation Multi-Modal and Multi-Service Hub Development. Sustainability.
Retail Trade Association of Kenya. (2021). Retail Automation and Job Loss in Kenya. RETRAK.
World Bank. (2022). Digital skills gap in Kenya: Addressing challenges and seizing opportunities. World Bank. https://www.worldbank.org
World Economic Forum. (2020). The Future of Jobs Report. WEF
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Samar N. M. Al-Kindy
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
