The Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic and the Development of Technology and Robots on Jobs

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of COVID-19 has had a devastating economic impact on countries, leading to reduction of many jobs. Earlier, the advent of technology and robotics had been the source of much concern and analysis about the future of jobs. The present study aims to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the emergence and development of technology and robots on jobs and compare them with each other. Methods: The present study was conducted qualitatively. Data collection was done by holding two expert panels. The experts were purposefully selected from different universities in Iran. Findings from the expert panel were analyzed using the content analysis technique. Erlingsson's approach was used for content analysis. Results: The effects of the advent of technology and robots and the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on jobs were examined from seven aspects, including economic, social, political, the impact on developed and developing countries, health, education, and workforce skills. The effects of the advent of technology and robots on jobs can vary depending on the two scenarios of interaction or substitution. The effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on jobs can also be in line with different scenarios with the emergence of technology and robots in some respects. Conclusion: The possible conformity of economic and social systems in gradual changes faces fewer challenges, while conditions like pandemics have few opportunities to adapt to new situations. Increasing flexibility with a preemptive approach and not just based on the existing scenarios are necessary to deal with these situations.