A review of the literature about sustainability in the work of the future: An overview of industry 4.0 and human resources

Background: Industry 4.0 presents a volatile and dynamic environment, highlighting the need for changes in employee behavior. This paper aims to investigate academic trends related to Industry 4.0 (I4.0) and human resources (HR). Methods: A total of 354 articles published between 2014 and 2023 were analyzed from the Scopus database. Results: Industry 4.0 is associated with a wide range of topics in the productive environment, with a strong emphasis on technology. Over time, research has increasingly integrated themes related to human resource management into the broader discussion of Industry 4.0. In this context, studies underscore the importance of education and training for the workforce. The findings presented are valuable for researchers, academics, and managers, serving as a foundation for future investigations into I4.0. The main contribution of this paper is to facilitate the understanding and analysis of the role of workers in the Industry 4.0 context, particularly for researchers, educators, and HR professionals. Conclusions: This study identifies new opportunities for research at the intersection of Industry 4.0 and HR, offering guidance for scholars and practitioners in future implementation efforts.