The digitalization of the working environment: the advent of Robotics, Automation and Artificial Intelligence (RAAI) from the employees perspective – a scoping review

Abstract

Robotics, automation and artificial intelligence (RAAI) are changing how work gets done, to the point of putting 47% of existing jobs in the USA at risk of becoming redundant in 5 to 15 years. RAAI and their cognitive abilities have a potential impact on employees’ sense of self-worth and career satisfaction and, in turn, on organizations and the society as a whole. In spite of the significant debate on whether there is a real risk of job losses or simply a need of re-skilling, the impact of RAAI on the individual employee has received little attention in academic literature. Therefore, we conducted a scoping review to explore the existing research and professional publications on the topic and analyze which aspects have received less attention, to properly support policymakers as well as managers' decisions. Existent research suggests that the majority of potentially affected workers is not aware nor worried about this ongoing transformation process and they are not properly planning their career. Involvement of the individual in this transition has been proved to bring positive results. However, to get such individual involvement, it will be necessary to identify the correct messages to inform and motivate to the change and avoid producing protests and resistance. All the stakeholders, including the labor force, have to be part of this dialogue to avoid resistance and social unrest.