Psychosocial factors related to the increasing automation of work processes: A systematic review

Purpose: To identify which psychosocial factors can be related to the increasing automation of work processes, determining practical implications relevant to the evaluation of psychosocial risk factors at work within organizations before the imminent transition towards industry 4.0 Design/methodology/approach: A systematic review of the literature was carried out. The review structure was based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses) approach for the studies selection and the Noblit and Hare's meta-ethnographic approach for data analysis and synthesis. Findings: Thirty-five studies were selected which passed all the selection stages. Six psychosocial risk factors were detected whose behaviors may be influenced by the increasing automation of work. Evidence suggests that the factors of development possibility, change management, mental load, routine content, and job insecurity may increase their exposure due to job modifications owing to new automation technologies. On the other hand, social relationships at work have the ability to positively influence the successful implementation of new automated processes. Originality/value: The results obtained represent excellent indications of an overview of psychosocial risk factors that may increase their danger due to the increasing automation of work processes and Industry 4.0.