Employees' adaptation to human–robot cooperation: a career adaptability perspective

Abstract

Purpose This article explores employees' adaptation to working with robots in industrial environments, with particular attention to learning as a central adaptive response. Drawing on career adaptability literature, we examine employees' initial experiences, skill requirements, learning strategies and unaddressed needs. Design/methodology/approach Eighteen in-depth interviews were conducted with employees from three companies in the Netherlands with recent or ongoing robot implementation. Findings Results revealed that employees' initial experiences often involve overcoming several challenges, such as technical issues and skills gaps. Employees drawing on adaptability resources like curiosity and confidence showed greater adaptability and adopted active coping strategies, while skeptical employees displayed higher resistance. Adapting to robots required not only new technical skills but also problem-solving and willingness to learn. Further, robots shift employees' work roles from direct task execution to supervision, suggesting that robot implementation triggers broader career-related changes. Lastly, formal training, peer learning and learning by doing are key for employees to develop the required knowledge and skills. However, employees would benefit from additional hands-on training, better preparation for unexpected situations and more transparent communication. Originality/value This study advances our understanding of how employees adapt to working with robots. By showing how they mobilize adaptability resources, manage adaptation challenges and employ learning strategies, the study illustrates how career adaptability can support employees in navigating technological changes. In doing so, the paper responds to calls for more empirical research linking technological change with career development.