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Unravelling the Link between Automatability and Job Satisfaction

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Listed:
  • Arthur Jacobs

    (Ghent University)

  • Elsy Verhofstadt

    (Ghent University)

  • Luc Ootegem

    (Ghent University)

Abstract

We take a closer look at the negative association between automatability and job satisfaction using data from the European Working Conditions Survey. We find a significant negative effect of automatability on job satisfaction. We observe that the association is not driven by individual or contextual confounders, but rather that it is generated by the specific task content of highly automatable occupations. More precisely, we identify ‘originality requirements’ as the key mediator, as more originality hinders the automatability of an occupation while boosting the job satisfaction of employees. We also find evidence for a stronger bias of future automation towards less satisfying occupations within lower-educated labour market segments. We discuss what these findings imply for the future quality of work and for inequality by education.

Suggested Citation

  • Arthur Jacobs & Elsy Verhofstadt & Luc Ootegem, 2023. "Unravelling the Link between Automatability and Job Satisfaction," Journal of Labor Research, Springer, vol. 44(3), pages 199-227, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jlabre:v:44:y:2023:i:3:d:10.1007_s12122-023-09346-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s12122-023-09346-5
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Automation; Job satisfaction; Occupational task content; European working conditions survey;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • J28 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy

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