(in German)

Background: This article analyses technological developments in the world of work in a time comparison between 2019 and 2024 on the basis of the representative survey DiWaBe. By means of a differentiated analysis, employees from four activity groups - object-related, information-related, person-related activities and leadership and management activities - are compared with regard to their use of technology.

Results: Key findings include a substantial increase in the use of digital systems in general and in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) at work, although the intensity of use still varies between different job groups. There is an overarching trend towards the use of mobile technologies, which affects not only information and communication technologies, but also tools and machines.

Discussion: The article discusses the opportunities and risks and emphasises the need for continuous ergonomic monitoring of technology development and implementation in order to ensure that the digitalised world of work is designed in a way that supports humane working conditions.

Practical relevance: Up-to-date empirical data on the use of technology is crucial for strategic technology design. The study provides a basis for deriving research questions, identifying specific design needs and the targeted implementation of technologies in different work contexts.

Please download the article "Current developments in the use of technology in the world of work - an activity-based analysis" (in German only).