Industry 4.0 from the point of view of human resources management

Purpose: The article discusses the role of the employee in the era of robotization and automation of industry. It outlines potential threats and opportunities for HR management in the age of the fourth industrial revolution. Design/methodology/approach: The author used a desk research method. She gathered documents (statistic data, mainly reports), made the initial selection, established the authenticity of the data, carried out the study of scientific literature and, eventually, did the comparative analysis. Findings: Industry 4.0 is associated with changes in human resource management. Employees will need to acquire new skills and knowledge to be able to keep a job. Automation and digitalization of business/industry will be an opportunity for self-development and success for people with expertise in IT technology, robotics and computer engineering. Business in the era of Industry 4.0 will need to cope with the ageing population, the lack of proper education and training conditions, and lack of access to new technologies. Practical implications: The paper analyses the biggest challenge in the aspect of employees adaptation and focuses on problems that exist but must change so that businesses can adapt to the new reality of Industry 4.0. Originality/value: The paper complements previous research in the field of human resource management in the conditions of the fourth industrial revolution, digitization, digitalization and automation of business.