A phenomenological exploration of cleaning industry workers’ experiences in the era of technical advancements
摘要
The cleaning industry plays a crucial role in maintaining hygiene, yet the experiences of its workers, particularly with technological advancements in the workplace, are underexplored. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of advanced sanitation technologies, including advanced cleaning robots, making it essential to understand how cleaning workers adapt to these changes. As a result, this study examined the lived experiences of nine cleaning workers, primarily from lower-income backgrounds and immigrant families throughout the Caribbean region, using a phenomenological approach. The research highlights the unique challenges these workers face, including limited formal education and the need to adapt to new technologies. Work Adjustment Theory (WAT) was applied to understand the processes of adaptation and the impact of socioeconomic factors on job satisfaction and efficiency. The findings reveal that while technology integration improves job quality and reduces physical strain, there are significant gaps in training that need to be addressed. The study emphasizes the importance of tailored training programs and explores the positive relationship between technology and job satisfaction. It also discusses the theoretical implications of WAT in the context of low-income workers’ adaptation to technological changes. This research contributes to the understanding of technology’s intersection with the cleaning industry and its impact on worker well-being and organizational practices.