Title: For better or for worse? How the use of digital technologies affects truck drivers' well-being

Authors: Sarah Maria Straub; Caroline Ruiner

Addresses: Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Schloss 1, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany ' Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Schloss 1, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany

Abstract: The use of digital technologies evokes a controversial debate about their impact on workplace characteristics in terms of the perceived benefits and risks for driving professions. We examine how the use of digital technologies affects truck drivers' well-being by looking at workplace characteristics and their interrelation. We use a mixed-methods approach consisting of qualitative interviews and a written survey of truck drivers in Germany. Empirical findings reveal a generally positive association between the use of digital technologies and workplace characteristics, as drivers perceive that highly automated systems enhance their well-being by reducing strain and fostering safety. However, potential risks, such as the threat of losing attention and decision-making authority, were also identified. These findings contribute to understanding the effects of digital technologies on truck drivers' workplace characteristics. Additionally, we highlight the role of drivers' attitudes towards digitalisation and show how these determine the perception of benefits versus risks.

Keywords: digital technologies; automation in logistics; driver well-being; human-computer-interaction; HCI; workplace characteristics; mixed method; qualitative research; quantitative research.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2025.147556

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2025 Vol.51 No.3, pp.420 - 449

Received: 11 Oct 2023
Accepted: 12 May 2024
Published online: 21 Jul 2025 *

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