Source: La Nuova Sardegna

Several companies in Sardinia have begun using artificial intelligence (AI) to manage employee work schedules, sparking debates over the role of AI in workforce management. The technology automates shift assignments, allegedly optimizing efficiency, reducing operational costs, and addressing fluctuating business demands.

AI-powered scheduling tools analyze employee availability, productivity trends, and business needs to determine work shifts. Employers argue that this system minimizes human error and ensures fair distribution of work hours.

However, workers and labor unions have raised concerns about the impact of algorithmic decision-making on job security and work-life balance. Some employees report reduced flexibility, unpredictability in their work hours, and a lack of human oversight in scheduling decisions.

Legal experts warn that AI-driven workforce management could violate labor laws if it leads to unfair working conditions, such as excessive workloads or a lack of employee rights in challenging shift assignments.

The Italian government is monitoring developments in AI workforce automation, with discussions on whether labor laws need updates to regulate AI’s role in employment.

The article concludes that while AI-driven scheduling offers potential benefits, careful oversight is needed to ensure worker rights are protected and that AI remains a tool for efficiency rather than exploitation.