Job characteristics and mental and physical well-being experienced by the operators of CNC, FMS and conventional machine tools

Abstract Job characteristics and physical and mental strain experienced by the operators of advanced manufacturing technology as well as the users of conventional technology were studied in nine engineering companies. Data were collected by job analyses, interviews and questionnaires. In spite of the different levels of technology, the responses generally did not reveal great differences in work demands and mental and physical well-being at work. However, the employees working with AMT experienced their job as more challenging, interesting and variable. Furthermore, environmental working conditions were assessed to be more convenient in advanced systems than in conventional workplaces.