How Data-Rich Workplaces Can Improve Worker Safety, Health, and Experience

POLICYMAKERS ARE MISREADING THE WORKPLACE TECHNOLOGY MOMENT 3
WORKPLACE TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION SURGES WHILE U.S. ADOPTION STAGNATES 5
Unlocking the Worker Upside of Technology 8
Preventing Worker Harm Before It Happens 8
Reducing Worker Stress and Burnout 14
Making Hard Work More Sustainable 15
Worker Quality-of-Life Gains 17
Expanding Access to Work 18

WHAT DATA WORKPLACE TECHNOLOGIES ACTUALLY COLLECT 18
Workplace Technologies Collect Novel Types of Data 18
How Workplace Technology Data Varies 19

NO ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL APPROACH TO THE WORKPLACE 19

REFRAMING THE WORKPLACE TECHNOLOGY DEBATE 20

DESIGN FLAWS IN EMERGING WORKPLACE TECHNOLOGIES 21

A SMARTER REGULATORY LENS FOR WORKPLACE TECHNOLOGY 22
State Legislation Is Distrustful by Default 23
Federal Legislation Thus Far Is a Missed Opportunity 24

THE CURRENT STANDARDS REGIME IS UNFIT FOR THE MODERN WORKPLACE 25
Design Standards Lack Focus and Relevance 25

POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS 26
1 Add Clarity Through a Federal Framework 26
2 Increase Workplace Technology R&D 27
3 Leverage Procurement Power 27
4 Modernize Workplace Safety Standards 28
5 GAO Should Focus on Potential Positive Outcomes 29
6 Reshape Public Conversation on Surveillance 29
7 Expand Data Collection on Workplace Technology Adoption 29
8 Target State and Local Policies at High-Risk Uses 30

CONCLUSION 30

REFERENCES 31