Invisible Work Pre- and Post- Digitalisation: The Case of a Health Authority in Norway

Abstract

In this paper, we argue that, despite the increasing opportunities for transparency and visibility that come with the digitalisation of workplaces, invisible work remains a highly relevant concept, as it represents practices that are vital to the effective functioning of business operations. Drawing on a longitudinal qualitative case study, we examine invisible work practices before and after the digitalisation of a regional health authority in Norway following the implementation of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. The study extends the literature in this field by showing both the changing status of invisible work and the emergence of new invisible work in digitalised workplaces. The theoretical and practical implications are then discussed.