B2 – Upper Intermediate
Among all employees, those young workers that are new to the workforce and black staff are at most risk to be subjected to surveillance at work.
It is urgent to have legal reforms so workers are able to decide on how they are tracked by their companies.
Read the article about workplace surveillance and algorithmic discrimination.
https://www.lbc.co.uk/tech/16c4429688b9400da8666cc60a9c3f6e
Vocabulary Questions:
- What is a “chilling effect”? “If surveillance has a chilling effect on people’s willingness to express themselves in the workplace, that may also decrease their satisfaction at work.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “bake into” mean? “Increasing levels of surveillance of certain workers could “deepen the inequalities already baked into the labour market”, said Mr Evans, noting that black workers are more likely to be in jobs with a higher risk of “intrusive surveillance”.“ Use this phrasal verb in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “discrimination by algorithms” mean? “This includes safeguarding against invasion of privacy and discrimination by algorithms.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a similar expression.
Discussion Questions:
- What is your reaction to and opinion about this, “Young people new to the labour market and black employees are among the most likely to be subject to surveillance in the workplace.”?
- Do you think surveillance in the workplace is fair and necessary? Share your insights.
- What are ways your company monitors you and your work?
- Do you think employers/companies should disclose to their employees what data are being collected? Share your opinion.
- Share your thoughts on this, “If surveillance has a chilling effect on people’s willingness to express themselves in the workplace, that may also decrease their satisfaction at work.”
- Share some things you know about discrimination by algorithms. What are your thoughts on it?