ASSESSING RETAIL EMPLOYEES’ PERCEPTIONS OF DIGITALIZATION’S IMPACT ON OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

Nicoleta PRESURĂ (ADOCHIȚEI), Marinela MARINESCU, Larisa BUȚU, Constanța RĂDULESCU, Alin STĂNCIOIU, Liviu-Marius CÎRȚÎNĂ, Anamaria FEIER, Demetrius DUBIC

Abstract


Retail workplaces are undergoing rapid digitalization, with technologies such as self-checkout systems, automated inventory management, and AI-based sales analytics promising operational efficiencies. While these tools can reduce physical strain and improve transaction speed, there is growing concern that they may also introduce new cognitive demands, stressors, and ergonomic challenges, reshaping occupational health and safety risks in the sector. This study aims to explore and critically assess how retail employees perceive the impact of digitalization on their occupational health and safety. It addresses questions about perceived physical and psychosocial risks, differences across organizational contexts, and the alignment or tension between employee experiences and managerial narratives of technological progress

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