Navigating the human-centred transition in European workplaces

As Europe steers toward its 2030 Digital Decade targets – aiming for 80% of adults to possess basic digital skills – the transition is proving to be as much about psychological adaptation as it is about technical proficiency. Cedefop’s latest publication, Human-centred digital transitions and skill mismatches in European workplaces, offers a comprehensive look at how accelerated digitalisation – from the spread of artificial intelligence (AI) to robotics – is reshaping Europe’s labour markets and the experience of work itself.

The pandemic paradox: better matches, less joy The COVID-19 pandemic compressed years of digital adoption into months, creating what researchers describe as a “natural experiment” in technological change. Accelerated digitalisation reduced skill underutilisation by 17.5 percentage points and increased both general and specific training, suggesting that technology can improve employment match quality rather than simply displacing workers.

However, this efficiency has come at a cost. Direct exposure to rapid digital shifts has led to a 53-percentage-point decline in positive attitudes towards technology. Many workers report increased performance pressure, adaptation fatigue and concerns about job security – a reminder that a human-centred transition must address both skill development and well-being.

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