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Human Energy Management System (HEMS) for Workforce Sustainability in Industry 5.0

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  • Ifeoma Chukwunonso Onyemelukwe

    (Research Unit on Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policies (GOVCOPP), Department of Economics, Management, Industrial Engineering and Tourism (DEGEIT), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • José Antonio Vasconcelos Ferreira

    (Research Unit on Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policies (GOVCOPP), Department of Economics, Management, Industrial Engineering and Tourism (DEGEIT), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • Ana Luísa Ramos

    (Research Unit on Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policies (GOVCOPP), Department of Economics, Management, Industrial Engineering and Tourism (DEGEIT), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • Inês Direito

    (Center for Mechanical Technology and Automation (TEMA), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

Abstract

The modern workplace grapples with a human energy crisis, characterized by chronic exhaustion, disengagement, and emotional depletion among employees. Traditional well-being initiatives often fail to address this systemic challenge, particularly in industrial contexts. This study introduces the Human Energy Management System (HEMS), a strategic framework to develop, implement, and refine strategies for optimizing workforce energy. Grounded in Industry 5.0’s human-centric, resilient, and sustainable principles, HEMS integrates enterprise risk management (ERM), design thinking, and the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle. Employing a qualitative Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, the study reframes human energy depletion as an organizational risk, providing a proactive, empathetic, and iterative approach to mitigate workplace stressors. The HEMS framework is developed and evaluated through theoretical modeling, literature benchmarking, and secondary case studies, rather than empirical testing, aligning with DSR’s focus on conceptual validation. Findings suggest HEMS offers a robust tool to operationalize human energy reinforcement strategies in industrial settings. Consistent with the European Union’s vision for human-centric industrial transformation, HEMS enables organizations to foster a resilient, engaged, and thriving workforce in both stable and challenging times.

Suggested Citation

  • Ifeoma Chukwunonso Onyemelukwe & José Antonio Vasconcelos Ferreira & Ana Luísa Ramos & Inês Direito, 2025. "Human Energy Management System (HEMS) for Workforce Sustainability in Industry 5.0," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-28, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:14:p:6246-:d:1696967
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    References listed on IDEAS

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