BAuA’s research in Field of Action C, designing human-centred work systems
If we wish to understand what makes work human-centred and healthy, we need to look at the concrete ways it is designed on the ground. BAuA focusses particularly on the opportunities and risks of new technologies, forms of work, and work locations, as well as physical and psychosocial pressures. One priority is the integrated design of work activities, technology, and organisation, in particular at the interfaces between humans and technology.
Technological/organisational work systems
How can AI and assistance technologies make work systems safer, more efficient, and more human-centred? As far as this topic is concerned, BAuA is looking at both the trustworthiness of AI and the psychological mechanisms that influence employees’ trust in intelligent systems. Physical and cognitive assistance systems, including robotic systems and extended reality (XR) technologies, are being analysed to ascertain how they can support work quality, safety, and efficiency without compromising employees’ decision-making authority and situational awareness. Furthermore, BAuA is using digital modelling and simulation techniques such as digital twinning in the industrial metaverse to assess complex work situations, analyse processes in real time, and design ergonomic, future-proof work environments
Research projects
Work locations and environment factors
Different work locations and working environments entail specific opportunities and risks for employees. With regard to home offices, the focus is on ergonomic design, social isolation, conflicts between work and private life, and virtual presenteeism, while there are resources that can be tapped into at the same time such as social support networks. Location-flexible and hybrid working in home care, the craft trades, and consultancy are also being investigated to establish their health-related implications, as are activity-based office concepts.
BAuA analyses the effects of light, noise, and indoor climates so that workplaces can be designed healthily. The relevant issues include daylight, artificial lighting, noise emissions, and infection control measures. In the agricultural sector, long-term studies are being conducted to find out how high-welfare animal husbandry systems affect bioaerosols and risks to employees. In view of the world’s changing climate, protective measures for outdoor activities are being further developed to address rising temperatures, heatwaves, solar loads, allergens, and vector-borne pathogens. The objective is to design work environments so they remain safe, healthy, and sustainable over the long term, while exploiting innovative technologies and taking account of the specific needs of all groups of employees.
Research projects
Working times
The research on working times is examining the impacts of flexible models on health, well-being, and work/life balance. Both shorter and longer working times and specific working- time models for different life phases are being investigated in order to identify potential risks and devise evidence-based design recommendations. Atypical working- time patterns such as shift work or on-call duty are also being studied, as well as the effects of breaks, rest periods, and sleep on regeneration and performance. BAuA oversees statutory and regulatory developments, supports the implementation of existing working- time legislation, and collaborates closely with the supervisory authorities at the federal state level to promote practical, healthy working time solutions.
Research projects
Psychosocial working condition factors
Collaboration within organisations and work that involves doing things with, for, and to people are associated with psychosocial challenges. The priorities for BAuA’s research are preventing harassment, violence, and bullying and promoting safe, respectful working environments. The psychosocial consequences of digitalisation, the use of algorithms and AI, and virtual collaboration are also being studied in order to boost employees’ well-being, social interactions, and resilience. Organisations are conceptualised as social spaces where management decisions, spatial design, and compulsory attendance arrangements have central roles to play. BAuA is drawing up evidence-based recommendations on the handling of mental workloads, contributing to European monitoring activities, participating in the European Mental Health at Work Campaign, and supporting the inclusive design of technological systems intended to reduce workloads.
Research projects