Criteria and Guidelines for Human-Centered Work Design in a Digitally Transformed World of Work: Findings from a Formal Consensus Process

Abstract

With the increasing digital transformation, work tasks are changing—in some cases, significantly. Our study addresses the question of whether the established criteria for work design are still sufficient or if they should get updated and additional criteria become necessary in the context of digitalization. In a multistage consensus process involving interdisciplinary groups of experts, we have identified specific criteria for the humane design of work in a world increasingly permeated by digitalized work tools. Starting with an expert workshop using a combined nominal group/focus group technique, followed by a real-time Delphi study, a content analysis and a five-stage peer comment process, we detected 13 criteria and 38 design guidelines for human-centered work in digital transformation. Mapping these with established criteria, it became apparent that some established criteria have experienced a new dynamic because of the digital transformation. For other criteria, a need for digitization-sensitive design is discernible. In addition, criteria have emerged whose necessity is rooted in the digital transformation. A diffusion and stronger interconnection of the various levels of the work system in connection with the digital transformation of work is apparent.

The Job Perception Inventory: considering human factors and needs in the design of human–AI work

“…Depending on their design, these can be perceived as a resource and thus support people in their performance (Peiró et al, 2020 ). Profound changes in the workplace, such as the introduction of AI or unprepared changes, can influence the design and impact of the work characteristics (Tegtmeier et al, 2022 ). To contribute to a positive perception, it is useful to investigate the work characteristics and implement AI based on this.…”

“…For a human-centered AI integration into the workplace, it is important to determine the current state of work characteristics to derive an implementation strategy and to positively influence their development (Tegtmeier et al, 2022 ). Therefore, the first section of the JOPI aims to capture relevant work characteristics concerning the implementation of smart technologies.…”

“…The most common approach is to develop and introduce an intelligent technology without considering the workplace and the tasks it contains beforehand (Ötting, 2020 ). Such an approach hinders a human-centered implementation and especially real collaboration between humans and AI (Al Ali and Badi, 2022 ; Tegtmeier et al, 2022 ). To overcome these barriers and enable a teaming approach, we developed an instrument to implement AI with a focus on humans with their needs, motives, and capabilities.…”

Audio-visual induced mental workload: Research methodology with disruptive soundscapes and electroencephalography

“…Moderate levels can be judged sometimes more ergonomic as silent environments. The high-speed train and the table/desk combination in the train are representative of a new, flexible workstation [22][23][24].…”

“…During this time, it can be necessary to fulfill work tasks, like reading, writing, and answering phone calls. We test the needed executive functions for doing this with the cognitive tasks used [24].…”