Industry 5.0 and Emotional Intelligence: A Revolution in HR Led by Women

Abstract Industry 5.0 represents a paradigm shift, blending human-centric approaches with advanced technology to create sustainable, inclusive workplaces. By prioritizing Emotional Intelligence (EI) in Human Resource Management (HRM), this new industrial era aims to enhance not only economic efficiency but also employee well-being and societal sustainability. Women, with their exceptional communication, empathy, and leadership skills, emerge as critical drivers of this transformation. This article explores the role of EI in Industry 5.0 and highlights the contributions of women in revolutionizing HR practices within this framework.

  1. Industry 5.0: Harmonizing Humans and Technology Unlike Industry 4.0, which focuses primarily on automation and efficiency, Industry 5.0 emphasizes human-centric business models. Guided by the European Commission’s (2022) priorities for sustainable, resilient, and people-centered economies, this approach places employee well-being at the core of organizational goals. Beyond leveraging advanced technologies such as AI and robotics, Industry 5.0 seeks to optimize the human element in the workplace, making EI a critical enabler in this context (Mura et al., 2021).
  2. Emotional Intelligence and Human Resource Management EI refers to a set of skills that enable individuals to understand, manage, and navigate both their own emotions and those of others (Goleman, 2002). Within HRM, EI has become an indispensable tool for fostering collaboration, enhancing workplace morale, and driving innovation. The core EI competencies in HRM for Industry 5.0 include:
  • Self-Awareness: Recognizing personal emotions and their impact on behavior.
  • Self-Regulation: Maintaining composure and making conscious decisions under pressure.
  • Empathy: Understanding and addressing diverse employee needs.
  • Relationship Management: Resolving conflicts and promoting effective teamwork. By enhancing these competencies, HR professionals can cultivate a workplace culture that promotes employee engagement, satisfaction, and productivity.
  1. Women’s Role in HR and Industry 5.0 Women possess inherent strengths in communication, empathy, and emotional management, positioning them as natural leaders in the transition to Industry 5.0. Research indicates that female leaders excel in fostering inclusivity and innovation, creating supportive environments that enhance employee engagement and performance (Cuéllar-Molina et al., 2019).

      3.1. Women’s Strengths in Leadership

  • Empathy and Communication: Women leaders excel at understanding employee needs and creating responsive strategies, a key advantage in diverse teams.
  • Inclusive Leadership: By promoting diversity and equity, they ensure all employees feel valued.
  • Emotional Resilience: Women demonstrate remarkable composure under pressure, boosting team morale and cohesion.

       3.2. Driving Innovation Women leaders actively integrate EI into HR practices, enhancing employee experiences and fostering workplace innovation.           Their ability to center employee well-being aligns perfectly with the human-centric goals of Industry 5.0.

  1. REVIVE 5.0: Revolutionizing HR with Emotional Intelligence The REVIVE 5.0 project highlights the transformative role of EI in enabling SMEs to transition to Industry 5.0. The project focuses on developing innovative vocational training programs that leverage digital tools and interactive learning platforms to enhance EI competencies in HR professionals.
  • Key Objectives:
    • Develop EI-driven HR frameworks that prioritize employee well-being.
    • Empower women to lead transformative initiatives within organizations.
    • Support SMEs in adopting sustainable, human-centric business models.
  1. Conclusion and Recommendations Industry 5.0 represents a paradigm shift that combines technological advancements with human-centered approaches. EI emerges as a vital tool in reshaping HR practices and improving employee well-being. Women, with their strengths in emotional and social intelligence, are uniquely equipped to lead this transformation, driving innovation and inclusivity in workplaces. To achieve the goals of Industry 5.0, organizations must invest in training programs that promote EI and empower women leaders. By fostering emotional intelligence and encouraging women to take leadership roles, businesses can create sustainable, inclusive, and innovative ecosystems that align with the vision of Industry 5.0.

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