Automation in the workplace: how should culture adapt?

Automation in the workplace is transforming the way we communicate and collaborate. How does workplace culture need to change to accommodate it?

Building a workplace fit for the future is as much about cultural change as it is technology. Businesses need to cultivate an environment where humans and machines can work side by side.

As automation simplifies more and more tasks that save time and money, you can embrace it by creating a culture that’s agile, flexible and collaborative.

Here’s how to go about it.

Change the mindset of your workforce

Many people are naturally resistant to change. And many seem fearful that a robot will soon be replacing them. In fact, 35% of Britons feel their job is at risk from artificial intelligence.

Organizations can look at ways to accurately present automation as an opportunity for people to work with machines, not against them. Changing their mindset is crucial. Especially if your workplace is consists of several different generations, each with different expectations and ways of working.

If automation in the workplace can improve mundane tasks like payroll processing or new-starter onboarding it makes sense to do it.

Ultimately, it makes work more delightful. It takes some of the monotony out of the working day. And it provides a better overall experience for both employees and customers.

Move towards more creative thinking

Machines are great at fixing the simple things but they’re not so hot at ideas and innovation. So automation can free up your staff to concentrate on more creative pursuits. You know — the ones you hired them for.

Workforces will have time to do more thinking outside the box and collaborate on exciting projects — not to mention dream up new ways to use artificial intelligence to make work more meaningful.

Machines excel at fixing the little things but aren’t so good at ideas and innovation

The future workplace will be more about connecting and working in teams. Exactly the things humans are good at.

Embrace the rise of the ‘liquid workforce’

As more and more tasks become automated, organizations will need a workforce that is agile and flexible which might require hiring more contract workers or freelancers. A liquid workforce of people who can rapidly adapt to their environment and stay relevant.

Automation in the workplace can also present opportunities for people to upskill. This will mean that approaches to training will undergo a cultural change. Organizations will be able to personalize learning and deliver L&D programs online through videos and webinars.

Build team spirit

In this age of automation, it’s no longer necessary for everyone to work in the same office. But it’s still important to make employees feel like they belong.

Automate mundane tasks so people spend more time on the jobs they’re good at (and they like)

Collaboration platforms like Workplace can empower people across different disciplines and locations to communicate more effectively using online tools such as video chat and instant messaging.

That way you can deliver team spirit and effective collaboration in two simple steps. Empowering people by providing them with the right tools. And automating the routine tasks so they spend more time on the jobs they’re good at.

Keep reinventing yourself

Workers can no longer expect to stay in the same position for 10 or 20 years doing largely the same things.

In fact, 41% of Gen Yers don’t expect to be in the same role for more than two years. In such a fast-paced world, businesses and teams have to stay fresh and continually reinvent themselves.

And that means cultivating a culture of constant learning and role evolution.

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Originally published at https://www.workplace.com