Conditions that foster workers’ experience and development in technological transitions

BackgroundStudies highlighting the importance of considering different users, including operators, at all stages of a technology introduction project are becoming increasingly frequent. However, other research points out that operators are often only involved through reskilling initiatives to cope with the technologies introduced.ObjectiveIn this exploratory study, conducted in a company within the Portuguese industrial sector, the authors aimed to analyse a technological transition in an inbound warehouse and to understand the challenges related to mobilising workers' experience throughout the process.MethodsQualitative and participatory methodologies, anchored in the analysis of work activity, were used to anticipate forms of activity that may emerge in I4.0 environments, associated with the possibilities of mobilizing experience and developing skills.ResultsThe results indicate that operators were only taken into account during the implementation phase and that no formal development initiatives were associated with the technology. Nevertheless, situational factors-particularly related to collective work dynamics and team leadership-were identified as contributing to the general perception that the process was successful.ConclusionsIntentionally incorporating the identified factors into future projects could support the sustainability of work situations and promote the continued development of workers' skills in contexts of technological change.