This working paper provides an overview of the use of data and algorithms in the workplace. It begins by introducing the concept of data-driven firms, which collect and analyze large amounts of data to inform business decisions. The paper then discusses the different types of worker data that these firms collect, including demographic information, performance metrics, and behavioral data. It also examines the various strategies that firms use to collect this data, as well as the ecosystem of worker data and data-driven technologies that has evolved around it. Finally, the paper explores the use of algorithms in the workplace, including what algorithms are, how they are designed and used, and their general applications. Overall, the paper provides a comprehensive primer on the role of data and algorithms in the modern workplace.
