Digital transition in the workplace: an approach to the recent Airbus experience in Spain

Abstract

The current presentation approaches a case study of Airbus Spain (2021) in the framework of the digital transition in the workplace researching (Eurofound-European Comission): Anticipating and managing the impact of change; digitisation in the workplace. Recent Eurofound studies identified three main vectors of change in the European big companies: 3D printing, Internet of things (IoT) and Augmented & Virtual Reality (AR/VR). Airbus has based its technological change in 3D printing, with deep implications in its work processes, training and demanded skills. Our objective is to analyze the experience of the social actors involved in these processes applying qualitative methods (key informants interviews). Our conclusions point out an increase in the autonomy and responsibility of the employees, and a positive impact on job quality, reducing work hazards, improving the physical and social environment, reducing the intensity of physical work and improving career prospects.