The growing use of collaborative robots in the workplace may pose significant psychosocial risks to workers' mental health and their job security, but there are ways for organizations to smooth the transition, according to research from the Monash University Business School.

Once confined to science fiction, collaborative robots, or cobots, are rapidly reshaping the Australian workplace, handling everything from heavy machinery to delicate surgical tasks.

Automation, including cobots, is predicted to increase annual productivity growth in Australia by 50% to 150%. These technologies have the potential to add a further $170–600 billion per year to GDP by 2030, according to the National Robotics Strategy.

While cobots are often portrayed as increasing efficiency and speed, and providing a safe and reliable means to reduce physical workplace risk, less is known about the hidden psychosocial risks employees may be facing.

Monash Business School Professor Herman Tse and his research team found psychosocial hazards, such as job insecurity and role ambiguity, are common issues that affect workers as part of the growing use of collaborative workspace technologies, such as cobots.

"Workers often perceive cobots as potential threats to their job stability, especially when collaboration between humans and machines is minimal; lower collaboration may be perceived as a strategy to automate work and replace operators with machines. This perception can lead to increased stress and decreased trust in new technologies," Professor Tse said.

To support a smooth transition of cobots in the workplace, and reducing these risks, the study emphasizes the urgent need for organizations to consider employees' perception of collaborative robots and the stresses that arise from their growing use. It is hoped this would lead to a broader organizational understanding about the importance of involving workers in the implementation process of cobots.

The research team found engaging employees through participatory change management and consultation can significantly reduce psychosocial hazards and improve overall acceptance of new technologies.

Recommendations for Organizations:

• Engage workers: Involve employees from various units in the planning and implementation stages to address concerns and gather feedback.
• Enhance consultation: Provide clear communication about how cobots will impact job roles and responsibilities, and include workers in decision-making processes.
• Conduct risk assessments: Develop comprehensive risk assessments to identify and address potential psychosocial hazards associated with cobots.

The global cobot market is booming, reaching a staggering US $50 billion since 2018.

"This growth is being driven by increasing automation needs in sectors like manufacturing, automotive, electronics, health care, and food and beverages," said Professor Tse.

"Cobots enhance productivity and address labor shortages, making them attractive for both large and small businesses, and advancements in cobot technology will further boost their adoption in Australian workplaces."

The team's findings underscore that while cobots offer significant benefits, including reducing physical strain and enhancing productivity, their introduction must be handled with care to avoid unintended psychosocial consequences.

By prioritizing worker engagement and consultation, organizations can ensure a smoother transition to collaborative robotics and safeguard employee well-being.