Automation and job security

byRichTripleA

153 followers

7 years ago

AUTOMATION AND JOB SECURITY

Automation is the creativity of technology and its application for the purpose of controlling or operating a process automatically. The tools and technology vary across industries and professions.

Technological innovation is transforming the nature of work and the workplace. The involvement of humans in various organizations will keep on reducing as machines are taking over humans’ tasks. In some cases, these machines complement humans’ efforts, and sometimes perform tasks that humans cannot do. These are some benefits that automation offers organizations; improved productivity, cost savings, service/product improvements, process efficiencies, consistency, reduces human error/judgment, better customer experience, meet employee expectations, creates competitive advantage.

So, it’s no longer news that machines are now contending with humans in some spheres once regarded as exclusively humans. As a result, some professions will decline, others will grow and new professions will emerge.

Automation is changing the landscape of businesses and organizations, adding value to operations, contributing to economic growth through productivity. However, automation will render countless people unemployed and reduce human resources in most organizations. Hence, there is a need to find the right approach to deal with the possible threat associated with automation. Research has shown that many of current jobs can be automated. We need to stop avoiding the situation and create real solutions to help workers.

The earlier we realize that automation has come to stay the better for every employee and employer. For the employees, it is time to get the necessary training and upskilling so as to be relevant in the labour market otherwise redundancy is staring us in the face. For the employers -it is time to invest in the right technology that will give you competitive edge in the market place, support the change, communicate and create awareness within your workforce about the importance of improved technology and create the enabling environment for the necessary transition for them.

It is advisable that employees should develop the following soft skills in order to be able to work with automation;

Ability to learn

Problem-solving

Communication and interpersonal skills

Coordinating with others

Creativity

Critical thinking

Emotional intelligence

Flexibility and adaptability

Judgment and decision-making

People management

Negotiation

Service orientation

These skills can be acquired through personal training and development or supported and/or funded by employers. In my opinion, it is the employee’s primary responsibility to get equipped as professional with the skills needed in the future in order to derive most benefit from automation. The employers might support where and when necessary, but in order to avoid redundancy get yourself trained.