Automation of Jobs in Production and Sales—The Current Status and Transformation Prospects

Abstract

This article aims to present opinions on problems and consequences of changes in psychophysical strain sustained by employees as a result of the anticipated work automation. Next, theoretical development trends were described, and it was surveyed whether the specific nature of the job, i.e. focusing on the object (production operative) and focusing on the customer (salesperson) is relevant in the context of automation, nowadays and in the short-term horizon of 3-5 years. The analysis applied the criteria for studying strains and risks (occupational risk) as well as work automation parameters, according to the criteria of Frey's and Osborne's concept. The survey of the opinions on the present and future occupational risk in production and sales positions has shown a decrease in occupational risk. In the respondents' opinion, the most desired outcome of the anticipated work automation is decreased mental strain. The last part of the article contains conclusions derived from the analysis. WORK AUTOMATION AND ITS EFFECTS ON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY Contemporary trends in job automationBased on the results of the pilot studies on employee opinions, this article presents answers to the following research questions:-What is the current status of automation like, and what are the automation development prospects like in the short-term horizon (3-5 years)?-Does the specific nature of the job, focused on the object (production operator) and on the customer (salesperson), have an impact on their views regarding automation (digitization) of their work?Based on the academic literature research, it is possible to specify the main trends in job automation. Technical progress connected with the intensively growing technical possibilities of information gathering and processing, as well as development of tools used in information processing and application (software), result in new forms of work and its organization. New forms of work pertain to the use of computer programs to perform, in whole or in part, tasks at a given workstation, such as for example the processes of controlling the operation of machines and equipment,