Intelligent Work: Research Initiative with Zarion and TCD

Intelligent Work: Research Initiative with Zarion and TCD

Partnering with Trinity College Dublin and funded by Enterprise Ireland, we are undertaking a significant piece of research that we believe will help to positively change the work environment in Financial Service organisations.

The aim of the research is to identify new Intelligent Work concepts that will shape the future of work. We would like to investigate how to augment automated work and people so that work is healthy, workers are healthy, and workers are set up for success.

Insights and concepts emerging from the research will inform the development of new capabilities and will support the advancement of new work practices and technologies globally.

 

 
Preliminary Insights

Preliminary Insights

Explore the findings emerging from the early part of the research. The data points to four key themes:

  1. Healthy Work, Wellness & Societal Impact
  2. Productivity & Work
  3. Performance & Relationships
  4. COVID context
Triple Bottom Line

Triple Bottom Line

The Triple Bottom Line (3BL) helps Enterprises to evaluate and align their performance based on 3 key pillars – Society, Environment and Finance. Otherwise known as the “3 P’s” – People, Profit, Planet.

The 3BL concept is what underpins this research initiative. Specifically, this project will demonstrate how the application of new intelligent work models, concepts and technologies (using machine learning and artificial intelligence) will deliver value

  • at a human level (i.e. a healthy and productive workforce),
  • at a commercial level (i.e. company profit and sustainability)
  • from a societal perspective (i.e. responsible business, ethical automation, role of human/worker in technologically mediated system).

The focus on “healthy work” helps our researchers to frame the issues currently faced by Financial Service professionals. We want to learn about how technology can help to improve the health and wellbeing of employees as well as help to promote environmentally-aware Operations.

Drawing from the 3BL, the project approach is underpinned by specific ethical principles and values:

  1. Wellness in work contributes to a person’s overall health and the quality of their relationships with work colleagues, family, friends, and their community
  2. Remote working/operations is better for the environment (commuters/emissions)
  3. The shift towards a “responsible business” with tripartite stakeholders (stakeholders, staff and society)
The Human Challenge: 46% of employees say their employer is not meeting expectations

The Human Challenge: 46% of employees say their employer is not meeting expectations


Regardless of industry, our experience in work as an employee are not the same as experiences in our personal lives. There is insufficient attention to and promotion of Healthy Work. Little attention is given to issues around the human role in a larger system or landscape, worker wellbeing, ethical issues and technology adoption barriers.

As of today, there is no link between wellbeing protections, operations management and data analytics. There is minimal consideration for the human, ethical or business case.
What is Healthy Work?

What is Healthy Work?

1. Not just the avoidance of harmful work practices (working overtime/long hours, continually high stress situations)

2. Creation of wellbeing within workplaces and workforces

3. Physical, social and psychological/emotional health

4. Working practices, working environment and work culture

5. How work fits a person's individual circumstances

Realising the Triple Bottom Line with Zarion

Realising the Triple Bottom Line with Zarion

Have your voice heard in the global discourse on work in Financial Services

Interested in having your say? Take our short online survey.
Now is the time to make a change in your industry

Now is the time to make a change in your industry

We’re calling for Financial Service professionals, primarily Departmental, Process and People Managers to take part in an interview with Dr. Joan Cahill.

Joan has worked as Senior Researcher and Principle Investigator with the Centre for Innovative Human Systems (CIHS) since 2005. During this time, Joan as worked on several projects across a diverse range of industries, namely aviation, healthcare and technology. Joan was a key speaker at the 2020 Women in Tech event, and has been nominated for several TCD awards, winning the Societal Impact award in 2019.

To take part, get in touch with Stephen at sralph@zarion.com to arrange a time that suits you.