Information society: socio-hygienic aspects of the transformation of employment and working environment

Abstract

Introduction. The current historical period is characterized by significant transformations in all spheres of life activity. The reasons for the changes are the development of information technologies and globalization processes. In the information (post-industrial) society, transformations are associated with the introduction of the principles of flexibility in job placement and labor organization. The transition to flexible forms of employment appears as a risk factor for the deterioration of working conditions and the reduction of workers’ security. “Social pollution” of the production environment is spreading. These include management methods that harm the well-being of workers.The aim of the study is the evaluation of the influence of flexibilities of employment and labor relations on the deterioration of working conditions as a risk factor for the well-being of workers.Material and methods. The study object in the article is flexibility as a socio-psychological and organizational-economic phenomenon. A comparative analysis of the views of various authors and their theoretical generalization.Results. A modern understanding of the information society as a society of network structures based on innovation and decentralization, as well as employment on adaptability to market conditions is presented. The introduction of the flexibility of employment means a departure from the standard model of labor relations. The negative consequences of labor flexibility for workers are given: instability, compulsion, unsteadiness, and lack of guarantees. Employment unsteadiness occurs both in the informal and formal sectors of the economy. The statistics cited indicate a trend towards an increase in the proportion of workers included in unsustainable and precarious employment. The influence of “social pollution” of the intra-organizational environment in the form of adverse management decisions introducing instability and unreliability in working conditions is considered. Their consequence is a violation of the social and psychological well-being and somatic health of workers. Conclusion. The more employment differs from the standard, the higher its instability, and lack of guarantees for the worker, the higher the risks of deterioration of working conditions, health, and job loss. There is a connection between the instability of employment, psychological well-being, and health.