Science, Technology, Enterprise and Society

Abstract

One of the greatest challenges for civil societies, politicians and organisations around the globe in the twenty-first century is the digitisation and automatisation of work processes. Through means of machine learning, new mechanical product developments, and a further development of digital work organisation, fundamental aspects of the working reality are changing. The arguments of this essay show that some scholars predict a massive replacement of manufacturing jobs by machines. Others show that people fear to arrive at a feeling of overextension through constant availability or new developments in how firms are organised. All of these aspects can have drastic implications on a macroeconomic level and for the mental health and general well-being of workers. Henceforth, it is utterly important to analyse the implications of digitisation thoroughly and not prematurely arrive at an overly positive perception of such changes in the work environment.