Meaningful Work in the Digital Age- A Comprehensive Review and Framework

• Published in: Human resource development international Vol. 28; no. 2; pp. 169 - 193
• Main Authors: Arora, Nishtha, Garg, Nishant
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 15.03.2025; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: automation; Digital Age; digitisation; Digitization; Employee involvement; Frame analysis; Human resources; Meaningful work; Personal development; systematic review; Transformation; Work life balance; Work-Leisure conflict
• ISSN: 1367-8868; 1469-8374
• DOI: 10.1080/13678868.2024.2336866

Meaningful work has emerged as a subject of paramount significance in the realm of human resource development, given its positive effects on employee engagement, work-life balance, and personal growth. Despite a fundamental transformation in the nature of work exacerbated by the pervasive influence of digitisation, there remains a lack of consensus regarding the impact of such transformations on the concept of meaningful work. We conducted an exhaustive analysis of existing research to understand the intricate dimensions of work and organisations impacted by digitisation. In our review of 51 studies, we delve into the multi-level influence of digitisation at the actor, micro-environmental, and macro-environmental level, elucidating the ensuing implications for meaningful work. Additionally, we propose a conceptual framework that classifies the extant research and clarifies pathways through which digitisation impacts meaningful work. The review and framework advance theory and practice by giving a comprehensive understanding of how digitisation affects meaningful work and offers implications for navigating the benefits and problems of the digital era for organisations and employees.