We are all aware of the significance of technological advances over the last few decades, but their impact on everyday working life has yet to be fully appreciated. This is because change is gradual, and it is only when we look back that comparisons force us to evaluate what can be considered progress, and what is a sad loss.

On the plus side, technology allows us greater access to information at incalculable speeds. (1) ___ As well as saving time, this has given rise to new types of jobs and encouraged us all to develop totally new skills. With the technological world changing so rapidly, there are exciting opportunities for everyone whose working life is just beginning.

A downside to this technological revolution is the fact that the workplace has changed beyond recognition for many people. (2) ___ Employees today remain mainly fixated on their screens, and their relaxation is obtained through occasional surreptitious access to social networking sites. Communication is conducted electronically, depending less and less on face-to-face discussion or even phone contact. (3) ___ Whereas in the past employees had to be careful not to talk about the boss behind his back or mislay important paperwork, today it is the careless e-mail to the wrong person or loss of a CD or even laptop on the train, that can lead to disciplinary action.

The workplace itself has changed, and people no longer need to leave their homes and commute to work as frequently as before. Work can be done at home, or on a laptop or mobile phone while commuting, so a significant result of this is that we no longer have space and time to ourselves. (4) ___

It is inevitable that our working lives will continue to change. For some people this change is worrying and stressful. They believe that the faster life becomes, the more is demanded of us at work, and eventually we shall reach a point where we are unable to cope. (5) ___ Whatever developments are around the electronic corner, there will be those who talk about ‘progress’ and those who talk about ‘loss’, but what is certain is that it’s something none of us will be able to control.