Cobots can harm employees' mental health

A research team from Australia's Monash Business School has found that collaborative robots pose significant psychosocial risks to workers' mental health. The researchers announced this on Monday. In addition, job security is endangered by the cobots.

Robots that work together with humans at a workplace are actually intended to provide physical relief. The robots take on heavy and tedious tasks that humans are reluctant to perform. Robots also reduce the risk of injury to human employees when performing dangerous tasks.

Stress due to job insecurity

However, the research findings of the Australian scientists make it clear that too little research has been carried out into the psychological impact of cobots. In one study, the researchers found that job insecurity and role ambiguity, for example, often cause problems for employees.

"Workers often perceive cobots as a potential threat to their job security, especially when human-machine collaboration is minimal. This perception can lead to increased stress and reduced trust in new technologies," says Herman Tse, Professor at Monash Business School.

Countermeasures

Tse and his co-researchers have investigated how these stress-induced risks can be minimized for employees. They recommend involving employees at an early stage in the planning and implementation of the use of cobots. This allows employees to raise concerns and provide feedback on the planned deployment.

Companies should also clearly communicate to employees from the outset how the cobots are to be used, what work tasks they will perform and how this will affect employees' responsibilities. Employees should also be involved in the decision-making processes as early as possible.

Companies can counter potential psychosocial risks for employees by carrying out a risk assessment early in the planning process. Psychological risks for employees in connection with cobots can thus be identified and averted through suitable measures, according to the scientists.

The researchers concede that collaborative robots offer many advantages, including reducing physical strain and increasing productivity. However, the introduction of cobots must be carried out with consideration for employees in order to "avoid unintended psychosocial consequences".

Companies can do a lot to make the transition to collaborative robotics as smooth as possible, while maintaining the well-being of human employees. Companies should involve employees in the processes and provide them with advice.

(olb)