FT News Briefing The fight between US service staff and QR codes
Aug 31, 2021
The shift from human service roles to QR codes has raised concerns about job losses, particularly affecting women and low-educated workers. With automation on the rise, experts discuss the implications for the future workforce. Meanwhile, Bank of America is tackling tech talent shortages by retraining its employees, highlighting the importance of upskilling in a digital economy. Additionally, Germany's inflation hits a 13-year high, creating further challenges for U.S. dollar stores navigating economic pressures.
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QR Codes Replacing Service Staff
- US service businesses are using QR codes to replace workers.
- This started during the pandemic for social distancing and continued due to labor shortages.
Impact of Service Automation
- Economists predict automation will mainly displace women and less-educated people in lower-end service jobs.
- High-end establishments are less susceptible due to customer expectations.
QR Code Usage and the Future of Work
- Countries like China and South Korea already widely use QR codes.
- The future of service jobs depends on whether businesses prioritize cost savings over human interaction.