Work design in production: Foundations and recommendations for the implementation of mobile, time-flexible work design in chipping production

Abstract: The discussion on new work models and the benefits of mobile, time-flexible work often focuses exclusively on employees in administrations. Employees in production and production-related areas often lack the opportunity for mobile and time-flexible work. Companies need to ensure that this imbalance doesn't impact collaboration among employees or influence the organizational culture. This paper presents the results of an empirical survey that provides an overview of the opinions of employees and executives in chipping manufacturing, addressing the research question as to what extent a mobile, time-flexible work design is possible for shop floor employees. Based on the findings, a model is developed on how mobile, time-flexible work can be facilitated in chipping production. For the survey study, an empirical investigation was conducted using a mixed-method design. A quantitative data collection was carried out through an online survey, while qualitative data were collected through guided interviews. 61 employees participated in the online survey, and eleven executives, including CEOs and production managers, were interviewed. Both employees and executives work in companies operating in the chipping production in Germany. The results indicate that, among other factors, the secure automation and digitalization of production processes enable employees in chipping production to perform tasks mobile and time-flexibly while the machine tool produces workpieces. Building on these results, a model for the design of mobile, time-flexible work is developed, emphasizing constraints for its implementation. In the future, the digitalization and automation of production will enable a mobile, time-flexible work design.

Keywords: Work design, job design, chipping production, industry 4.0, mobile work, time-flexible work, hybrid work

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005353

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