Sustainable Human
A podcast unpacking Brain Capital and Brain Health for the corporate sector. For HR professionals and business leaders committed to changing the way organisations approach, measure and report on brain capital.
Sustainable Human
Episode 29: Automation, isolation and workplace safety, why human connection still matters at work
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
How can we design workplaces that stay both technologically advanced and human-centered?
In this episode, Linda Jarnhamn sits down with Lena Abrahamsson, Professor in Human Work Science, Luleå University of Technology.
They discuss how workplace and production systems should be designed around people, not just technology. Lena explains that when automation improves physical safety, it can create new risks such as isolation and boredom, which in turn may cause apathy and accidents.
The conversation emphasises that human interaction, social connection, and maintaining engagement are essential parts of a safe and effective work environment.
Key Topics Discussed
- Human-centered design is essential in socio-technical production systems.
- Automation may reduce physical risks while increasing cognitive and social risks.
- Isolation, boredom, and cognitive overload are significant workplace safety concerns.
Powered by flow²thrive