Pixabay / paman0744

Pixabay / paman0744

Digitalization and AI

a wealth of opportunities for Employees and Businesses

New technologies make it easier to participate in workforce

Digital assistance systems such as robots, exoskeletons, or AI-powered tools can also enable older adults and people with disabilities to participate actively and sustainably in the workforce. The key concept here is human-machine collaboration: systems such as AI-controlled exoskeletons adapt to employees’ individual abilities and provide support, for example, during physically demanding tasks. Augmented reality applications and smart glasses provide visual support directly at the workplace and can also make it easier for low-skilled workers to tackle more complex tasks through clear, visual explanations. In this way, technology enables participation.

Al is here!

According to a 2024 survey, 62.1% of workers in Germany now use Al--a significant increase compared to 2019, when the figure was only 25% (Sevindik, 2022). It is particularly noteworthy that 30.4% of respondents have intensified their Al use in recent years. These figures compare favorably internationally: in the U.S., the share of generative Al users stood at 39% in 2024 (Bick et al., 2024).

Digitalization improves workplace safety and makes work easier

Digital technologies improve occupational safety and health.

Smart protective clothing and wearables can detect hazards early on and report them in real time. AI can actively promote the mental and physical health of workers by reducing stress and increasing their autonomy (BAuA, 2023) . According to an EU study, 70% of Germans believe that AI can improve occupational safety and health (EU-OSHA, 2025). AI applications range from smart protective clothing and hazardous substance detection to assistance systems that identify risks early on (DGUV, 2024; Rziha, 2024). Monotonous or dangerous tasks can also be handled by AI, for example through automated systems or chatbots. Additionally, AI facilitates emotional regulation, e.g., by providing professional response suggestions for customer inquiries or translating complex content into plain language. In occupational safety, AI supports risk assessments, such as in the “BAKI” project, which analyzes risks in home offices (BAuA, 2024a&b). Digital services in occupational health prevention and counseling, such as video consultations, help to efficiently utilize scarce occupational health resources and ensure that employees receive modern and effective occupational health care. Intelligent search functions help to find and implement relevant regulations more quickly. AI also enables data-driven risk analyses and supports managers in handling health concerns with sensitivity—thus becoming a tool for greater efficiency and care in occupational safety.

Work 4.0 offers flexibility and better work-life balance

Modern technologies such as cloud computing, mobile devices, and digital collaboration platforms enable employees to work anytime and anywhere. Employees can organize their work schedules more flexibly and better balance them with personal commitments. For companies, this is a key factor in attracting and retaining workers and skilled personnel. Companies also benefit from greater responsiveness—for example, in the face of order fluctuations or short-term absences—and can deploy their resources more efficiently. Digital tools can, for instance, take into account not only availability and qualifications in shift planning, but also ergonomic considerations and employees’ individual preferences. Digitalization and AI are not abstract visions of the future, but concrete tools for a better working world. They enable greater participation, safety, flexibility, and sense of purpose—while simultaneously strengthening companies’ innovative capacity and competitiveness (e.g. www.kapaflexity.de).

BDA Arbeitgeber – Arbeit Made In Germany, Foto: Adobestock Valerii Apetroaiei, Motiv: Video Meeting

© AdobeStock / Valerii Apetroaiei

AI to tackle labor and skilled worker shortages

In light of the growing shortage of skilled workers and an aging workforce, the targeted use of artificial intelligence (AI) in companies can make a decisive difference: It offers the opportunity to improve the quality of products and services and reduce costs throughout the value chain. It can support the integration of older adults, people with disabilities, or those facing language barriers (Hammermann et al., 2023; Beudt et al., 2024). AI helps deploy existing workforces more efficiently, optimize processes, and automate monotonous tasks. In doing so, it can make work more attractive and provide the foundation for well-informed human decisions, e.g., based on a nuanced analysis of data. AI thus becomes a tool that not only boosts productivity but can also help address labor and skilled worker shortages (BDA Digital Council, 2023).

Virtual and augmented reality are on the rise

In Germany, around 20% of companies are already using virtual or augmented reality technologies, and another 36% plan to adopt them (Bitkom, 2024). Both technologies open up new opportunities to make production processes more efficient and productive, streamline workflows, and equip employees with new skills.

HR tech helps employers shape good work

With data-driven human resources management, companies not only increase their efficiency but also improve the candidate and employee experience. AI can, for example, directly support onboarding by converting company texts, videos, and audio recordings into short, engaging learning modules—in various languages and at different language proficiency levels. Through brief surveys, known as “pulse checks,” factors such as team morale, satisfaction with leadership, or the current workload can be assessed. By comparing an inventory of existing qualifications within the company with the skills needed in the future, individual training and development recommendations can be derived.

Der Digitalisierungsschub durch die Pandemie

Corona hat für einen Digitalisierungsschub in der deutschen Wirtschaft gesorgt. Laut einer Umfrage von Randstad und ifo (2020) haben 55 % der deutschen Unternehmen den eigenen digitalen Wandel während der Pandemie vorangetrieben. 31 % führten neue Computerprogramme zur Zusammenarbeit im Betrieb ein und 36 % verstärkten die Nutzung bereits vorhandener digitaler Instrumente. So konnten die Unternehmen auch während der pandemiebedingten Einschränkungen arbeitsfähig bleiben und ihren Beschäftigten ein sicheres und effektives Arbeiten ermöglichen.

Digitalization and AI: a wealth of opportunities for Employees and Businesses

© AdobeStock

Auch die Beschäftigten spüren die Veränderung: In einer gemeinsamen Resilienz-Umfrage von BDA und Microsoft aus dem Sommer 2020 gaben knapp die Hälfte der Beschäftigten an, dass ihr Unternehmen in neue Software investiert habe. Ebenso viele nennen Investitionen in Hardware und in Infrastruktur wie Cloud-Lösungen. Gut 40 % der Befragten sagen, dass ihr Unternehmen jetzt besser digital ausgestattet sei als vor der Krise.

Dabei nutzten Unternehmen während der Pandemie z. B. Web- und Videokonferenzen um Einstellungsgespräche online durchzuführen, ebenso wie die Auftragsklärung, Beratungen, Workshops und Mitarbeitendengespräche (Fraunhofer IAO & DGFP, 2020).

We demand:

We need the right framework conditions to unlock the potential of digitalization and AI

For AI to boost efficiency and improve working conditions, it must be adopt-ed in the workplace. The biggest obstacles are regulation and legal uncer-tainty. That is why it is now crucial to implement the European AI Act in a pragmatic and innovation-friendly manner.

This means:

  • No patchwork of differently interpreted regulations,
  • no “German gold plating” in labor law,
  • no contradictory requirements in occupational safety

Instead, an innovation-friendly sanctions regime and fast, competent advice and support, especially for SMEs. Our position on the implementation of the European AI Act: “AI in the Workplace: Creating Legal Certainty – Leaving Room for Innovation” and our statement on the draft bill for the implementation of the AI Act: “Focus on Pragmatism and Innovation: From Law to Application” make this clear.

Further information: