Authors
Alice Freiberg, Matthias Nübling, Julian Chalabi, Stephanie Drössler, Janice Hegewald, Karla Romero Starke, Hans-Joachim Lincke, Sylvia Jankowiak, Merle Riechmann-Wolf, Pavel Dietz, Manfred Beutel, Nobert Pfeiffer, Karl J Lackner, Philipp Lurz, Emilio Gianicolo, Philipp S Wild, Andreas Seidler
Published in
International archives of occupational and environmental health. Volume 99. Issue 9. Nov 10, 2026. Epub Nov 10, 2026.
Abstract
As technology increasingly shapes workplaces, evidence associated psychosocial effects remains limited. This study explored demographic correlates of digital and automated work, and examined associations between digital and automated work and psychosocial outcomes.
A cross-sectional study was conducted within the Gutenberg Health Study (Mainz/Mainz-Bingen, Germany; 2019-2022). Digital and automated work were assessed using the GAP (Gesunde Arbeit in Pionierbranchen) module. Digital work refers to the use of digital information, digital communication tools and digital networking in work processes, whereas automated work refers to the support of work from machines and robots. Psychosocial outcomes were examined using the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ). Unadjusted ordinal logistic regression models estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for primary analyses. Linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, socioeconomic status, and data collection timing estimated β coefficients and 95% confidence intervals for secondary analyses.
Among 5,730 participants, frequent digital work was common (≈ 80%), whereas frequent automated work was rare (≈ 6%). Digital work was associated with higher job satisfaction and lower presenteeism, but also with greater intention to leave the profession and lower work engagement. Automated work was linked to higher burnout and lower job satisfaction. Technical and skill-related demands of digital and automated work were related to burnout, presenteeism, intention to leave, and reduced job satisfaction and general health. Positive experiences of digital and automated work were consistently associated with better psychosocial outcomes, including higher job satisfaction, work engagement, and general health.
Digital work is widely integrated, whereas automated work remains limited. Both show links to psychosocial risks and resources. Legal regulations, organizational support, and individual strategies may mitigate adverse impacts. Future research should clarify mechanisms, broaden outcome assessment beyond burnout, and evaluate preventive measures amid rapid technological change.
PMID:
43007483
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 11 Nov 2026.
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