Research & Insights for Workplace Wellbeing

This review examines how workplace automation affects employee wellbeing across four areas: performance, physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing, and workplace relationships. Drawing on evidence from a large multidisciplinary body of research, the authors found that automation can improve efficiency, safety, and productivity, but often creates new challenges for employees. These include increased cognitive demands, performance pressure, reduced autonomy, and weaker social connections at work. Mental wellbeing and workplace relationships appeared particularly vulnerable to negative impacts. The findings suggest that organisations should take a human-centred approach to automation to ensure technological benefits do not come at the expense of employee wellbeing.

This research highlights the complex relationship between workplace automation and employee wellbeing

• Automation can improve efficiency, safety, and productivity while also creating new workplace demands
• Mental wellbeing and workplace relationships may be more vulnerable to negative impacts than physical wellbeing
• Increased monitoring, performance pressure, and cognitive load can contribute to employee stress and strain
• Automation can reduce repetitive work but may also reduce autonomy and job control
• Social isolation and reduced opportunities for meaningful interaction are emerging concerns in highly automated workplaces
• Benefits in one area of wellbeing can sometimes create challenges in another, particularly for mental health
• Human-centred implementation of automation is essential to support both organisational performance and employee wellbeing