Groves, K., Margolis, J., & Gibson, C. (2024) Cultivating the experience of dignity at work during digital transformation; Proactive strategies for leaders and organizations. Organizational Dynamics

Abstract

Ubiquitous digital transformation technologies such as robotics, generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, large language models (LLMs) and other digital applications automate both mechanistic and creative work processes, which represent potential advancements never imagined a decade ago. Yet many view digital transformation as not only redefining the experience of work, but also undermining the humanity of organizations. Employees across the spectrum of skill-levels, job classes, and wages also face unprecedented and existential threats to their sense of self-worth, value, and esteem, which collectively embody dignity. Given the onslaught of these technological advances and digital transformation initiatives across industries and sectors, leaders need a set of practical strategies that both protect employees from threats to their dignity as well as proactively cultivate the experience of dignity in their organizations. To meet this growing need, this article presents executives, management teams, HR professionals, and other leaders with evidence-based approaches for protecting and promoting the experience of dignity at work. Grounded in the latest thinking and research on dignity in the workplace, this article offers practical strategies for investing in protective mechanisms (policies and processes) that insulate employees from aspects of work that erode the experience of dignity, as well as proactive mechanisms (practices and behaviors) that cultivate meaningful opportunities to experience dignity at work.