Jobs and skills of production workers at manufacturing SMEs

An empirical exploration of smart technology adoption

  • Koen Nijland Saxion University of Applied Sciences & University of Twente
  • Dennis Trotta Saxion University of Applied Sciences
  • Paul Preenen TNO and Saxion University of Applied Sciences
  • Sebastian Thiede University of Twente
DOI: https://doi.org/10.46364/ejwi.v10i1.1433

Abstract

The skillsets of production workers are crucial for the effective adoption of smart technologies which are largely shaped by job design. However, current literature lacks comprehensive insights into the skills and work designs of production workers in the context of Industry 5.0, thus hindering the successful adoption of Industry 5.0. Grounded in literature of work design and skills this study explores the required skills and perceived work design characteristics for adoption of smart technologies in Dutch SMEs in the context of AI, AR/VR, and Robotics. This qualitative study involved 19 semi-structured interviews with two groups: 6 work design experts and 12 professionals (managers and production workers). Results reveal a need to reassess traditional job profiles, as two distinct production workers roles emerge from the results. Machine operators face potential deskilling through low feedback from the job, task variety and job complexity, and foreman-production workers require additional skills due to job enlargement and enrichment. However, they seem to be put in this job role due to (1) the lack of various professional and transversal skills to fully utilize smart technologies, and (2) to accommodate a viable return on the technology investment. This highlights the importance of (1) balancing job resources and requirements in work design, (2) the usage of training programs for I5.0 skill development, and (3) understanding of contextual design elements of manufacturing systems that contribute to viable I5.0 adoption in SMEs. Finally, further research may investigate use-cases for viable smart technology adoption in an I5.0 context.

Author Biographies

Koen Nijland, Saxion University of Applied Sciences & University of Twente

Koen Nijland is a researcher at the Employability Transition research group of Saxion University of Applied Sciences and a PhD candidate at the Manufacturing Systems chair of the University of Twente. His research combines the fields of organizational design, work design and human-centered technology for the design of human centered manufacturing systems.

Dennis Trotta, Saxion University of Applied Sciences

Dr. Dennis Trotta is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher at Saxion University of Applied Sciences in Enschede, Netherlands. His work focuses on Strategic Human Resource Management, with particular emphasis on Smart Skills, Workplace Innovation, and Industry 5.0. Dr. Trotta's research interests span organizational behavior, the impact of technology on management and employees and innovation resistance. He is actively involved in international collaborations, including Erasmus+ projects across Europe, contributing to the advancement and dissemination of knowledge in HRM practices.

Paul Preenen, TNO and Saxion University of Applied Sciences

Dr. Paul Preenen is senior researcher at TNO, Sustainable Productivity and Employability, and Professor of Applied Sciences in Human Capital at Saxion University of Applied Sciences. His research focuses on organizational behaviour, and consequences of technology for organizations, management, and employees.

Sebastian Thiede, University of Twente

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Sebastian Thiede is a full professor of Manufacturing Systems at the University of Twente (Netherlands) within the faculty Engineering Technology. Prof. Thiede is interested in innovative technologies, methods and tools for the planning and operation of manufacturing systems and whole factories.

Published
2025-06-27
Issue
Vol. 10 No. 1 (2025): General Issue
Section
Articles

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