Business Automation Tools Facilitate Employee Well-Being
We’ve all imagined the scenario: robots slowly taking over jobs, displacing workers, and causing an economic collapse in our communities. As advanced technologies continue to develop rapidly, employees may wonder if this scenario will actually come to pass.
The reality that is surfacing,
however, is that robotic process automation technologies not only make companies potentially more competitive and profitable but also contribute significantly to the well-being and fulfillment of employees.
Automation 101
What exactly is robotic process automation technology (RPA)? Essentially, it is a technology that codes what are commonly known as “bots” to complete high-volume, manual tasks that are repetitive. Both artificial intelligence and machine learning tools are employed to complete common, predictable back-end business tasks. Ideally, these “bots” take the drudgery out of many jobs, freeing human beings to focus on higher-level, more fulfilling work.
Benefits of Automation
Although robotic process automation technology has generated some fear among employees, it’s important to recognize the many benefits of working side-by-side a “bot” today.
Delegate Repetitive Work
Nearly all employees have some aspects of their job that are repetitive, manual and just plain boring. By sharing these repetitive tasks with a robotic process automation “bot,” you’ll free time to do the more fulfilling aspects of your job--or develop skills that can help broaden your career.
Exercise Ethical-Decision-Making Muscles
According to a study published in Harvard Business Review, performing the same repetitive tasks over and over again throughout the day triggers the automatic, egocentric decision-making part of the brain, which may result in unethical behavior. When you’re more challenged to make thoughtful decisions about varied tasks in your job, you’ll be exercising the part of the brain that is more reflective and driven by reason.
Improve Mental Health
Plenty of employees in more manual jobs tend to feel like “cogs in a machine,” which can negatively affect long-term psychological health. By shifting the repetitive tasks that lead to this negative sense to “bots”, robotic process automation can help employees achieve a greater sense of purpose and well-being.
Join Forces with Future Developments
Employees who are worried about robotic process automation may be under a great deal of stress waiting for the “other shoe to drop.” By embracing these new technologies and seeing how they can actually empower you to grow in your responsibilities and career, you’ll be less concerned about future developments and see them as allies instead of enemies.
Reclaim Regular Hours
Nearly everyone works more hours than expected in any given week due to emergencies, unforeseen circumstances, and employer expectations. In many cases, necessary mundane tasks can put you over the top of your scheduled workweek. By allowing “bots” to take over these repetitive tasks, you’ll be better able to get your work done without sacrificing personal time.
Conclusion
Although robotic process automation technology will certainly affect how people work in the future, it’s a myth that there will be only negative consequences for the employee. In fact, it’s much more likely that robotic process automation will result in more fulfilling jobs and careers, a welcomed release from repetitive, mundane tasks, and a greater sense of well-being and happiness.
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