Smart work design in the age of AI: Scientific insights and practical applications

Semester

Semester 1, 2026-2027

Type of course

Methodological and Practical Courses

Location

TBA

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Maximum number of participants

20

ECTS

0.5 EC will be appointed for participation in the complete course

Staff

Pascale M. Le Blanc (TU/e), Maria C. W. Peeters (UU)

Content

This workshop introduces participants to the SMART model of work design and examines how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping contemporary job characteristics. Drawing on current research in work and organizational psychology, participants analyze (their own) jobs through the lens of SMART work design and explore how AI may influence key job characteristics.

The workshop further applies principles of job crafting (to AI-supported work) enabling participants to identify opportunities for proactively redesigning tasks and work processes to enhance motivation, wellbeing, and performance. Through a combination of theory, reflection, and applied exercises, the workshop supports evidence-based thinking about sustainable work design in increasingly AI-mediated workplaces.

 

Time schedule

10 am until 4 pm

 

Learning goals

After this workshop, participants can:

- use the SMART model to diagnose job design quality

- reflect on how AI changes work characteristics

- understand the principles of job crafting

- identify AI-related job crafting opportunities

- redesign aspects of (their own) work to improve motivation and performance

 

Literature

Parker, S. K., & Grote, G. (2022). Automation, algorithms, and beyond: Why work design matters more than ever in a digital world. Applied psychology, 71(4), 1171-1204. (compulsory)

Demerouti, E. (2026). Job crafting revisited: Current insights, emerging challenges, and future directions. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 13. (compulsory)