Einfacharbeit in Produktion und Logistik in der digitalen Transformation

Contrary to a number of predictions, low-skilled work – in the sense of routine activities in manufacturing and services – is showing remarkable stability in the German economy. Despite possible digital substitution in Industry 4.0 and current challenges in the crisis, low-skilled jobs are being retained or newly created. The article takes up these developments and focuses on digitalisation dynamics and their interactions with the design of low-skilled work in production and logistics. The author points out necessary differentiations, whereby findings on supposed substitution potentials, on the digital optimisation of low-skilled work and extended possibilities of its upgrading are critically discussed. Finally, future requirements for the work-oriented design of low-skilled industrial work are formulated.