The suggestion that Industry 4.0 should be people-led invites the question of why this might matter and how it might contrast with prior practice. A quick look back can begin to frame answers to these questions.

No one wants to do work which is undignified, but the digitalisation process and its aftermath could pose a threat to the dignity of workers. Any decent employer is concerned about the dignity of their employees, and will want to take steps to ensure that dignity for all is safeguarded. But what is dignity? And precisely how can it be maintained during and after digitalisation?