Due to the tremendous advancement of AI and hence its applications in areas such as manufacturing, staffing, AI copywriting etc, some workplace activities, like reconciling bills and customer orders and producing the initial draft of an annual report, may now be performed by machines. However, these advancements are not always embraced with open arms by the employees.
There’s no question that the word “work automation” brings a vision of robots taking over employment and instills fear among the employees in the workplace. Numerous polls also suggest that many people are afraid that there is a high possibility of artificial intelligence replacing them in the workplace.
However, Work automation has the potential to be a valuable asset for organizations by providing freedom to employees from mundane tasks and increasing the collaboration between team members, performance, inventiveness, and productivity.
Employers must communicate the benefits of job automation and demonstrate ways to improve the future of employment. Here are some suggestions for introducing new technology and automation in the workplace while avoiding any negative effect on the employees.
Communicating the Need for Automation
To begin, it is critical that your workforce understands what job automation entails and why it may benefit both the employee and the organization as a whole. Work automation frequently requires the use of technology to automate monotonous, manual operations.
Automation may allow the employees to focus and contribute more to knowledge-based activities, enabling them to apply their abilities in a far more constructive manner. It can also streamline workflow, stay on top of each step in a process, and assist to boost work effectiveness and productivity. Bailey Automation is capable of providing these great benefits.
Greater Productivity and Collaboration
It is incredibly essential for the employees to understand that work automation is meant to collaborate, not compete with them. Instead of viewing work automation as a substitute or competitor, employees should view it as a means of collaboration, to ensure that everyday tasks can be completed more easily and quickly.
Automation can help people lower their total workload and allow them more opportunities to plan and put effort into challenging and creative activities.
For instance, Sally is an HR manager of a large multinational company. Sally is currently recruiting for numerous positions in the organization. Now, thanks to automation, Sally may no longer be required to go through processes like filtering resumes, or sending follow-up emails.
Furthermore, Sally will also have more time to devote to activities such as developing connections with possible applicants, addressing employee problems, arranging training and skill development programs, and increasing employee involvement.
Reduces the Need For Supervisions and Empowers Employees
Employees are often found complaining about the lack of trust from their respective employers. They suggest that for works where there is little room for flexibility or freedom, employers are constantly monitoring them. A reprimand for an error can destroy staff morale. Even the threat of punishment or criticism can damage one’s confidence and capability to work.
On the other hand, work automation allows the employees to understand their responsibilities and duties in a well-structured manner. As a result, Supervisors might take on new responsibilities. Managers may continue to focus on the broader goals and objectives of the organization. Employees can have greater freedom and control over their work. As a result, the morale of the employees is boosted, and they also feel more empowered.
Enhance Workplace Safety
Using automation technology, such as robots, allows a factory to work continuously for long hours without stoppage or monitoring. People can often get bored or lose focus when performing monotonous or repetitive tasks. However, robots are capable of doing those jobs without the risk of any potential injury or fatigue, resulting in better occupational health and safety.
Supporting Strenuous Labor Activities
Work automation may indeed be particularly successful in industries where people do intensive labor, particularly in the manufacturing sector. Machines can assist employees by minimizing stress on the body by performing common activities, while employees perform works that require a greater degree of skills.
However, we are not saying that business automation does not have a big part to play in less dangerous professions. Machines can handle a wide range of work, from employee onboarding to corporate expenditure requests, allowing workers to utilize their energy and valuable time more efficiently.
Businesses must highlight the fact that this does not imply staff will be rendered obsolete, but rather, they will be required for more satisfying and challenging tasks.
Sufficient and Effective Training is Necessary for Automation
Automation does not function by itself. It frequently needs human control and supervision, necessitating the acquisition of new skills. It is of paramount importance to ensure that workers have the necessary training to manage and operate new automated processes, as well as to address any shortcomings in terms of skills and abilities that rise as automation replaces regular jobs.
Opportunities to Improve Communication and Relationships
Many employees who quit working often state that the source of their dissatisfaction was workplace relationships. Effective communication, in general, can help to improve these connections.
An effective work automation system can improve employees’ access to information and to one another, minimizing distress and disagreement. When any work process is automated, the employees are always updated and may avoid conflicts and problematic interactions.
Furthermore, they can also have more time and opportunities to interact with their coworkers and build stronger relationships in the workplace.
Work Automation is Here to Stay
Automation is the future of business, and it is gradually becoming a need rather than a luxury if businesses seek to remain competitive and move ahead of their competitors. At the same time, simply implementing automation will not suffice. Companies must constantly review their business processes in order to identify the elements that may be readily automated in order to increase employee productivity and satisfaction.
Therefore, employees should embrace the idea of work automation as it is not only meant to benefit the organization but also the employees.
