I’ll Be There for You: Automation is Your Friend

When I started my career in market research as a project manager, the word automation scared me. It was a terrifying word that meant the robots were coming for my job! I thought automation would replace me and all the skills I had been mastering. But, as technology and ResTech matured, so did I, and I found that automation not only isn’t scary, but it’s your friend. As a product leader with an operational, client service background, I find myself in a unique position to discuss automation and how it can be used to streamline productivity as well as allow your team to focus on core competencies.

1. Teaching the industry new tricks.

The continued development of new technologies can be complex and overwhelming; however, people are more open than ever to attain new skills. According to a Price Waterhouse Cooper survey, 74% of employees are ready to learn new skills. Through embracing new ways to work, employers will experience the benefits that come with more efficient and tech-savvy employees.

2. People believe automation will be beneficial.

Many people feel overworked and believe that automation will make their jobs easier. Using new technologies will grant employees more time to focus on those things the machines can’t do – the soft skills of being human. The benefits are proven as 85% of managers who implemented automation said that it gave their team extra time to focus on critical goals.

3. Many have already seen the benefits.

Automation has already proven to be beneficial to teams worldwide – I don’t know any research company that still relies on mall intercepts alone. Automation makes processes quicker, efficient, and more accurate as technology catches errors. These benefits have played out in workplaces and continue to improve employee morale as they can grow more proficient as technology advances.

4. The past is a good example.

There was a time when computers didn’t exist. We feared computers, but somehow, office workers didn’t disappear. Instead, businesses could afford to hire for more human-oriented positions. Recognizing that humans are indispensable, as proven by the advancement of computers, allows us to dissolve the fear of losing all of our jobs to automation.

As with any shift in technology, we will need help making the transition. However, if we push aside the doubt of the unknown, we can focus on how automation, AI, and ML can make jobs, employees, and companies, better.