Working with Robots and Eudaimonic Well-being at Work: A Moderated Mediation Model via Job Autonomy, Work Engagement, and Emotional Exhaustion

This study examined whether the frequency of interaction with robots while working (FIR) was indirectly related to eudaimonic well-being (personal growth at work) via job autonomy, work engagement, and emotional exhaustion. We also tested whether employees’ attitude toward robots moderated these relationships. The sample was composed of 299 employees from a manufacturing company. Results showed a positive relationship between FIR and job autonomy. Moreover, we found a significant indirect “effect” of FIR on personal growth at work through job autonomy and work engagement. These relationships were moderated by attitude toward robots, which showed an enhancing effect. Our findings contribute to understanding how working with robots are affecting jobs and employees’ work experiences.

Schweizer, T., González-Romá, V., Peiró, J. M., Jonczyk, N., and Barrera, L. (2026). Working with Robots and Eudaimonic Well-being at Work: A Moderated Mediation Model via Job Autonomy, Work Engagement, and Emotional Exhaustion. Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, 42, Article e260776. https://doi.org/10.5093/jwop2026a8