Worker satisfaction with adaptive automation and working conditions: a theoretical model and questionnaire as an assessment tool

Abstract

This article focuses on methods and tools to measure worker satisfaction with reference to industrial automation. Despite technological advances in automation, the role of human workers on industrial shop floors remains crucial. To promote humans' roles, production systems should be designed and organized so workers are valued and get satisfactory jobs. The article presents a novel holistic model of worker satisfaction with adaptive automation and working conditions. The model takes into account psychosocial and physical working conditions and the characteristics of the automation system the worker interacts with and its user interface. We propose a questionnaire to be used as a practical tool to assess worker satisfaction with industrial automation, considering also the case of adaptive automation. The proposed version of the questionnaire is the result of pilot testing carried out among shop floor operators and takes into account adjustments derived from end-user feedback.

Development of Remote Jobs as a Factor to Increase Labor Efficiency

“…The relationship between remote work and job satisfaction derives from the assumption that remote work gives workers more flexibility and autonomy in their work performance while allowing them to meet both work and personal (personal and family) needs (Schall, 2019). Locke defined job satisfaction as a pleasurable or positive emotional state resulting from the appraisal of one's job or job experiences (Villani et al, 2021). In the context of job satisfaction, telecommuting intensity is of enormous importance.…”

The INCLUSIVE System: A General Framework for Adaptive Industrial Automation

“…After performing the tasks, users were asked to fill out questionnaires measuring system usability [63] and worker satisfaction [34].…”

“…Objective metrics consist in performance related indexes measured during tests, namely time needed to perform a task and number of mistakes occurred while carrying out the procedure. As regards subjective metrics, after test sessions, participants were administered the system usability scale (SUS) questionnaire [63] and the worker satisfaction questionnaire [34]. The former is an established tool to assess the usability of a wide variety of products and services [65], while the latter was developed in the context of the INCLUSIVE project and is based on a model of worker satisfaction [34], [66].…”

“…As regards subjective metrics, after test sessions, participants were administered the system usability scale (SUS) questionnaire [63] and the worker satisfaction questionnaire [34]. The former is an established tool to assess the usability of a wide variety of products and services [65], while the latter was developed in the context of the INCLUSIVE project and is based on a model of worker satisfaction [34], [66]. This model constitutes a comprehensive end-user evaluation framework, accounting for the core system usability principles as well as physical and psychosocial aspects of the working environment, and, most importantly, the end-user evaluation of the INCLUSIVE HMI building modules (Adapt, Measure and Teach).…”

“…The effectiveness of the approach has been assessed with subjective and objective measurements. In particular, feedback from test participants was collected with a questionnaire on their satisfaction and system usability [34]. Moreover, objective measurements of users' mental strain were collected and these were correlated with subjective feedback information.…”