The relationship between robotisation and work characteristics: a systematic literature review

Although the prevalence of robots in the workplace is growing at a considerable speed, findings on their relationship with employees’ work experiences remain scarce. This poses a challenge for managers attempting to implement robots, as the few existing studies often report contradictory findings. This systematic literature review aims to solve this issue by identifying relationship tendencies between robotisation and work characteristics and the potential moderator variables in this relationship, creating a basis for future research. Findings reflect the important role of robotisation as an antecedent to the extended Work Design Model (Humphrey et al. 2007). They reveal mixed tendencies when it comes to the relationship between robotisation and both task and contextual characteristics, with a positive tendency for knowledge characteristics and a negative tendency for social characteristics being most likely. Potential moderator variables include implementation strategy, type of job, and type of robot. We conclude the review with managerial and theoretical recommendations and outline opportunities for future research.