There are all sorts of ways that science has allowed human civilization to advance, and there really isn’t a part of our life that it doesn’t exert an influence. We are now healthier more than ever thanks to science, and are able to understand the world around us in a much more meaningful way. It doesn’t matter if it’s understanding our environment, changing the way that we secure our business, or figuring out a way to maintain a competitive edge - science helps human beings do all of these things, all over the world, all the time. Here are some ways that science has specifically changed employment, the way we think about it, and the way it works.
Recruiting
There are organizations all around the world that are willing to shell out big bucks for well known recruiting and hiring managers that know what they are doing. This makes sense - in competitive sectors such as Silicon Valley, attracting and retaining the top talent in the area is absolutely essential when it comes to success. However, thanks to science, there are now hiring algorithms that often handle the bulk of the work, for better or worse. A whitepaper recently concluded that an algorithm can outperform the best hiring managers, which suggests that human beings might not make the best decisions when it comes to their organizations. We all would like to think that our nice suit, firm handshake, and great interview will make sure that we are hired - but science now makes it so that companies have more tools at their disposal when it comes to employment - and that decision might not even be a human one.
Competency
We all have our own personal issues away from the workplace, and have a right to keep it separate from work. We might be trying to get over someone that we were once in a relationship with, or even grieving a relative that passed away. Before drug testing, there would be no way for employers to know with concrete evidence that drugs are actually in an employee’s system. However, science has changed all that, and since the 1970s, drug testing
has become a reality. We all know that organizations do everything that they can to ensure that their employees are as productive as possible, and thanks to science, the urine drug test has allowed companies to make sure that their employees are held accountable for their behavior.
More Information Than Ever
There are many who might consider their workplace an extension of their own home - and feel a certain level of safety or comfort there. As a result, they might believe that they are entitled to some form of privacy. However, they might be wrong about that.
Of course, there is no productive company that is doing nothing but simply spying on their employees. While your boss might not be behind a desk meticulously watching your every move, the truth is that science and technology now means that companies can know more about you than you might believe.
There are some companies that make sure that you are not distracted on your computer, and can see what you are surfing on the web - even if you clear your browser history. Let’s say that you are working remotely. Well, if you feel like heading to the bar down the street and getting drunk while working - which might affect that latest report you wrote - guess what? Your work phone and work laptop might be showing your employer your location, and they might have a talk with you about drinking on the job. For those who think THAT’S bad, consider that employers can actually even track every word you type. In the past, employers were expected to trust employees on some level - but thanks to science, it looks like employers have more access to what you do than ever before.