The Role of HR in Managing Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Displacement Anxiety among Employees

Abstract

The rapid adoption of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) across industries has introduced significant changes to workforce dynamics, particularly raising concerns regarding employee displacement anxiety. This study investigated the role of Human Resource (HR) practices in mitigating such anxiety during RPA implementation. Using a quantitative survey method, data were collected from employees across operational, administrative, and technical departments in medium to large enterprises. The results revealed that clarity in HR communication, targeted training, and participatory involvement significantly reduced perceived displacement threats. Job satisfaction also negatively correlated with anxiety, highlighting the protective effect of psychological security. Departmental variations were noted, with operational staff expressing higher anxiety levels than IT professionals, underlining the need for role-specific HR interventions. The study emphasized that displacement anxiety was not solely a technological issue but a human-centered challenge that required strategic HR involvement. Recommendations included proactive communication strategies, role-specific training, and inclusive design approaches to ensure smoother RPA transitions. Future research directions were proposed, including longitudinal and qualitative analyses better to understand the evolving emotional landscape of automation integration. By foregrounding the emotional and psychological dimensions of RPA, this study contributed to the growing body of literature on technology-human interaction and highlighted the critical role of HR in facilitating sustainable digital transformation in the workplace.