Adapting to AI-mediated workplaces
How STEM trainees navigate new challenges and opportunities
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 7155658 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Ilker Cingillioglu (0000-0002-2971-140X, The University of Adelaide Department of Finance and Business Analytics), Martin Schoettner (Free University of Berlin Department of Political and Social Sciences) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 38 |
| Issue | 8 |
| Pages | 251-275 |
| Publication date | 2025-12-15 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Information Technology and People (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0959-3845 • E-ISSN: 1758-5813 |
| Publisher | Emerald (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1108/itp-02-2025-0163 |
| OpenAlex | W4415568534 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 68 |
Purpose The integration of artificial intelligence in workplaces is rapidly transforming employment structures, skill requirements, and decision-making processes. This study examines how AI-mediated workplaces (AI-MWP) impact STEM trainees entering the workforce. Specifically, it explores their preparedness, the challenges and opportunities presented by AI-MWP, and the role of socio-digital skills in shaping their career trajectories. Design/methodology/approach This study employs a socio-technical systems (STS) approach to analyze the experiences of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) interns. Using qualitative research methods, including interviews and case studies, we investigate how AI-MWP influence information sharing, task allocation, workplace interactions and the professional development of recent graduates. Findings The findings highlight that AI-MWP introduce new challenges for STEM trainees, particularly in navigating socio-digital skills, workplace autonomy and task ownership. AI-mediated communication reduces informal learning opportunities, impacting trainees' ability to develop professional networks and contextual understanding. Revealing a growing gap in employability frameworks that fail to address the evolving socio-technical demands of modern work, the study also underscores the necessity of digital fluency, adaptability and interdisciplinary collaboration as essential competencies for thriving in AI-MWP. Originality/value This study extends STS thinking into the AI-mediated work domain, offering new insights into how digital transformation reshapes employment dynamics. By identifying socio-digital skills as a critical yet overlooked component, we provide actionable recommendations for STEM educators and employers to improve training strategies and bridge the gap between academic preparation and AI-MWP
Adaptability · Autonomy · Employability · Informal learning · Thriving · AI in Service Interactions · Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education · Engineering Education and Technology
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| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |