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Measuring work and workers: Wearables and digital assistance systems in manufacturing and logistics

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  • Krzywdzinski, Martin
  • Pfeiffer, Sabine
  • Evers, Maren
  • Gerber, Christine

Abstract

The smart glove or smart data glasses: Digitalization of work means that technology is moving closer to the bodies of employees. It can make movements, vital signs and even emotions visible. Technologies which many people use privately to monitor their sporting activities or health opens up a new dimension of control in the workplace, but also the possibility of supporting employees in complex work processes. Based on case studies of companies in manufacturing and logistics as well as a survey of employees, this study provides insights into operational use cases of wearables and the assessments of employees. It reveals contradictory experiences and a high importance of co-determination and co-design of new technologies by employees and works councils as a condition for using new technologies for improving work quality.

Suggested Citation

  • Krzywdzinski, Martin & Pfeiffer, Sabine & Evers, Maren & Gerber, Christine, 2022. "Measuring work and workers: Wearables and digital assistance systems in manufacturing and logistics," Discussion Papers, Research Group Globalization, Work, and Production SP III 2022-301, WZB Berlin Social Science Center.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:wzbgwp:spiii2022301
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    Cited by:

    1. Mollen, Anne & Hondrich, Lukas, 2023. "From risk mitigation to employee action along the machine learning pipeline: A paradigm shift in European regulatory perspectives on automated decision-making systems in the workplace," Working Paper Forschungsförderung 278, Hans-Böckler-Stiftung, Düsseldorf.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    technological change; digitalization; manufacturing; logistics; work organization; skills; works councils; Technologischer Wandel; Digitalisierung; Fertigung; Logistik; Arbeitsorganisation; Qualifikationen; Betriebsräte;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J51 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor-Management Relations, Trade Unions, and Collective Bargaining - - - Trade Unions: Objectives, Structure, and Effects
    • J52 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor-Management Relations, Trade Unions, and Collective Bargaining - - - Dispute Resolution: Strikes, Arbitration, and Mediation
    • J81 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Standards - - - Working Conditions
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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