A journey full of experiences A critical exploration of production workers’ experiences of their employee journey

Abstract

This study explores how production workers experience their employee journey, addressing a significant gap in existing literature, which predominantly focuses on white-collar workers. Using a qualitative, interpretivist approach, 10 semi-structured interviews were conducted with production workers to gather in-depth insights. The collected interview data was analyzed using an abductive approach, initially coded using the Gioia method while using a theoretical lens to uncover emergent themes and patterns. The findings reveal that while the foundational journey phases: pre-employment, employment, and post-employment, are recognizable, the interpretation and priority of touchpoints and experiences differ from existing, universal frameworks and studies on white-collar workers. The production workers’ employee journey is strongly shaped by interpersonal workplace relationships, a continuous need for personal attention, and genuine recognition and appreciation, outweighing formal processes. The study challenges a universal, ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, and contributes to a more context-specific, theoretical understanding of the employee journey. Lastly, it offers practical implications for organizations to better align their policies and practices to the unique needs of this under-researched group.