- Data indicates a promising future for humans and machines in the workplace
Hyperscience, the human centered automation company, unveiled its 2021 Automation Pulse Report, revealing insights on shifting sentiments and understanding around what automation is, how it’s being used today, and how the US workforce views it.
“Certain technologies, like automation, have far-reaching capabilities that help employees work more efficiently and effectively, while also easing mounting workloads.”
According to findings, 75% of respondents believe they know what automation is. However, when asked to define that understanding, 55% elevated popular misconceptions, such as technology existing solely to replace people (17%). The varied responses signal a need to be more forthcoming with information and training materials to educate people on automation, an industry which is experiencing exponential growth.
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Significant findings from the report include:
The Fear of Machines Taking Jobs Lessens as Millennials Take Over the Workplace
Today, more than one in three American workers are millennials, making them the largest generation in the U.S. labor force. Yet millennials are more than just the largest workforce today—they are the hearts behind the Great Resignation and the minds behind the mentality of working smarter, not harder.
Hyperscience’s survey found that 35% of millennials believe humans and machines can work together, with 31% of all respondents in agreement, signaling a positive shift towards technology’s role in the workplace. Further, the survey reported 63% of millennials believe automation in the workplace is good, especially if used to alleviate certain work burdens.
The Employee Experience is Front and Center
When asked to share the most important aspects of technological advancement, like automation, the company (23%) and how it benefits from the technology for its bottom line was the least important to employees. Instead, nearly half of respondents (43%) selected the employee, specifically how they interact with the technology and how it impacts the employee experience, and 34% of respondents chose the customer and how the technology affects the customer experience and their relationship with the company.
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The Need to Educate on Successful Applications of Automation
With the rise of automation adoption, many fail to realize the value of technology in different industries. When asked, 70% of respondents said automation could add value for the transportation and logistics sector, and 66% believe it adds value to the financial services and banking sector. However, responses were less convinced for healthcare (48%), insurance (47%) and government/public sector (45%), regarding whether automation could add value to these industries.
“Investing in people, to ensure they have a meaningful, engaging work experience, has become a competitive differentiator,” said Charlie Newark-French, Chief Operating Officer at Hyperscience. “Certain technologies, like automation, have far-reaching capabilities that help employees work more efficiently and effectively, while also easing mounting workloads.” He added: “This is what we at Hyperscience call Human Centered Automation. Embracing these technologies will help enhance the employee experience and enable us to do our jobs better, ultimately making work more human.”
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