How should workers be prepared for Industry 4.0? Antecedents of employee readiness for digital transformation

This study develops a conceptual framework to identify the antecedents of employee readiness for digital transformation within the context of Industry 4.0. Drawing on theories of Change Management and Information Systems, it addresses a critical conceptual gap by shifting the analytical focus from organizational readiness and technological maturity to individual-level preparedness. A systematic literature review was conducted using the Web of Science and Scopus databases, resulting in the analysis of 434 studies published between 2017 and 2023. The review reveals that employee readiness remains underexplored, with existing models predominantly emphasizing technological, structural, and organizational dimensions while neglecting human and social factors. Five antecedents of employee readiness were identified: new business models and processes, awareness, supportive leadership, digital inclusion, and digital skills. Each construct was mapped to observable variables, yielding a testable conceptual framework with research propositions. This study represents the first integrative attempt to conceptualize employee readiness for Industry 4.0 at the individual level, offering a theoretical foundation for future empirical research. From a practical and socio-economic planning perspective, the framework guides organizations and policymakers seeking to foster workforce preparedness and mitigate digital transformation-related labor-market risks.