The Secret of embracing technology at work [Part 1]

I met a lady today. She was going about her business. I see her frequently, but I’ve never had the opportunity to speak with her. She rushes in and out of the office. She never lingers to tell stories or dillydally. She asks for some water to drink once she’s out of the scorching December sun, and she’s off. So, returning to the lady, I anticipated receiving the usual handwritten delivery notes and slips that we sign. So she pulls out a digital signature device that Wells Fargo uses when delivering packages and asks me to enter my signature, email, and name.

It’s a quick process, but after she demonstrated it to me, I was like, “Wow!”

This is a quick process. She claims that they have adopted the technology. Thanks to the device, her employer is always aware of where she is. If she works overtime, it is recorded, and she is compensated for it at the end of the month.

She was beaming at this point, telling me that the device doesn’t lie and that she is compensated for all the overtime that would have been a source of contention previously. I noticed a motivated employee who was pleased with her company and eager to work since she knew she would be adequately paid at the end of the day.

I’m sure they didn’t enjoy the device at first because no one wanted to be monitored, but they soon realised that it made their jobs easier. There’s no purpose in bringing paperwork that might go missing. This meant significantly less work for HR to compute hours from large numbers of documents, allowing them to focus on managing labour as a critical component of our operations.

In this new series, I’ll look at Kenyan labour law, including fundamental aspects of a contract of employment, pay types, and legal deductions.

Be further advised that we shall not be held liable in the event you rely on the information herein without a further in-depth consultation based on your unique circumstances as the same is a general guideline. Our team at Wachira Wanjiru & Company Advocates continue to be available for any consultations that you may require with regard to arising legal issues. Contact us on info@wachirawanjiru.co.ke or +254720790133 for your business needs.