In recent years, the use of robots in the food and hotel industry has raised concerns about job security for human workers. A study conducted by Washington State University (WSU) sheds light on this issue, finding that robot-phobia is a significant concern for employees at all levels of the hospitality industry.
The study involved surveying over 620 hospitality and food service employees about their worries regarding robots taking over their jobs and causing occupational stress. The findings were published in the International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, highlighting the importance of companies taking this issue seriously due to the high turnover rate in the hospitality industry.
With ongoing labor shortages, more companies are turning to robots to fill gaps in their human staff. This has led to fears about job security and caused many workers in the industry to consider leaving. However, according to lead author Bamboo Chen, a hospitality researcher at WSU’s Carson College of Business, there is a need for companies to focus on building positive relationships between humans and robots rather than solely focusing on efficiency and productivity.
Chen emphasizes that educating employees about the advantages and disadvantages of using robotic technology is crucial in addressing concerns about job security. By working together effectively, people and technology can collaborate to create a more efficient and productive workplace without sacrificing human interaction or connection.