The global COVID-19 pandemic has been a key player in the development of a new working culture. From working odd hours, to late night zoom meetings, to online team events; companies and their employees have been propelled into a new era of work. Ease into this new era by automation.
The Future of Work: A Balance between the old and new
Given the added turmoil to company operations, in addition to the increased financial tensions; companies have faced tremendous pressure to strike the necessary balances in their new way of working. And while we initially saw these changes as temporary adjustments to our working life, it has become increasingly apparent that organizations are now more change-resistant than ever before.
With this, the conception of a “new normal” has arrived, and we can expect organizations to move towards a “hybrid” working solution; the future of work. A future where a balance is struck between remote and on-site work, travelling and videoconferencing, and human and digital employees.
In this ongoing reform, automation technologies have assumed a fundamental position in shaping our future.
An Expedited Digital Journey
In the long term, it was always anticipated that automation would flourish in business operations. However, this timeline narrowed down to a few months when companies started facing the pressures of a global pandemic.
In May 2020, Forrester surveyed 160 decision makers (1.) in organizations across the World on their outlook on the future of automation. When asked whether their organizations were increasing their investments into automation in the next 12 months; 48% of respondents confirmed an increased spending by at least 5% into artificial intelligence and intelligent automation.
In July 2020, Mckinsey & Company surveyed 800 global senior executives, of which two-thirds “stepped up” their investments into RPA and artificial intelligence (AI). Areas which saw new and increased trends of deployed automation and AI were warehouses, call centres, manufacturing plants and even grocery stores. Although not commonly considered automation focal points, there was an increased necessity for these businesses to scale down workplace attendance; proving that automation has a place in almost all corners of industry, and that balance between human and digital employees may be the future of the workplace.
Such surveys are also being reflected in the market. Gartner predicted that the RPA Market is set to reach a value of USD 2 billion by the end of 2021; an impressive near 20% increase from 2020.
Make sure that your organization is well equipped to make the most of the future of work. Check out the Key Takeaways to know how you should move forward.
Moving Forward – 4 Key Takeaways
1# Embrace The Future
Over the next few years, company investments into automation are predicted to grow. These investments will aim to improve operational efficiency of organizations, and should be embraced by management. Welcome new roles within the company to support this digital growth, and ensure that your organization is well equipped to reap the benefits that this journey can offer you. At Ciphix, we can advise and support you in taking this next step.
2# Adopt an Employee-Centric Environment
With an accelerated digitization, employees may experience anxiety during your digital reform. Acknowledge this honestly, and show them that change is not something to be fearful of. Develop a new workforce experience in which employees are trained to navigate the new working environment. For more tips on how to deal with automation anxiety within your organization, read our article on it here.
3# Strike the Necessary Balance
Take some time to map out your digital reform journey and strike the right balance between digital and human employees. Explore the new hybrid solution to your organization’s working culture, and get the best out of both worlds. Don’t know where to start? Reach out to Ciphix so we can map out potential solutions for you.
4# Start Now!
What are you waiting for? Don’t let your organization fall behind. At Ciphix, we can help you realize your entire automation potential. Get in touch, and start your digital journey today!
- Manager level or above from operations groups, shared services, finance/accounting, and other industries. Organizations surveyed from the United States, Europe and Japan. Survey was conducted on behalf of UiPath.
