Automation isn’t new. We’ve been living with it in some form or other for over a hundred years. We now take most automation for granted - car manufacturing and the use of automatic cash dispensers, for example. Today automation is present across all businesses, from self-check-in technology on arrival at various locations to standard software applications that deal with most aspects of our work.

Nevertheless, there is concern that the speed of automation is increasing as technology becomes more sophisticated. Should we be worried? Will such advances drastically transform the workplace in the very near future?

Here are 5 things to think about that will give you some peace of mind. 

1.      Automation is already here

You already have lots of automation in your job already and most of these make your job easier, allow you to focus on the more important aspects of your work and help you to focus on what you are good at.

Work automation deals well with repetitive and manual processes. These help to streamline workflow and increase overall productivity. This of course can free you up to concentrate on more knowledge-based tasks, allowing you to use your skills in a more strategic way.

A good example here is the automation of customer service queries using for example Chatbots. This technology doesn’t just save money it allows businesses to focus on more difficult-to-solve customer cases, meaning better time utilisation.

2.      The uptake of automation is relatively slow

McKinsey and PwC in the UK have studied the impact on the uptake on automation across all industries and whilst as many as 47% of current jobs contain tasks that may be automatable, it is estimated that less than 5% of jobs will be fully automatable by 2030.

3.      Automation and new technology will aid you, not replace you

Like with many new technologies that came before, much of the automation we will see will enhance what we do and not replace us. If I think about all the automation I use in my own business – Calendar management, video meeting management, website hosting of my products and courses, payment mechanisms on my website etc. these have all enhanced my offer and helped me to get on with being a great coach. I’m excited for the future of automation.

4.      Automation is likely to create new job opportunities

Many of the fasting growing jobs wouldn’t exist without automation and AI technologies. Social media managers, web designers, algorithm engineers and eBay sellers to name a few are all fast-growing roles. Advances in technology and increasing automation of other roles have allowed these to be a possibility. For these reasons, it is likely that new job opportunities will emerge to accompany the adoption of automation technologies.

And, finally, point 5 is …

5.      Be open to learning and developing your skills

The march of automation, AI and new technology means that there is an opportunity to learn new skills and move into different industries. There has never been a better time to be a learner and develop new skills. A person starting their career today can expect to have multiple careers over their working life giving them variety and new challenges.

According to McKinsey there will be a shift to towards technological skills (55% increase), social and emotional skills (24%) and higher cognitive skills (8%). Adaptability and the development of new skills will be the key to taking advantage of the development of automation.

So, there you have it, the 5 things you need to know about automation. I hope you have found these words helpful and feel less worried about the future. To recap:

-       Automation is already here

-       The uptake of automation is relatively slow

-       Automation will aid you, not replace you

-       Automation is likely to create new job opportunities

-       Be open to learning and developing your skills

And that just leaves the Career Take Away.

Career CTA – your call to action

Your call to action today is to:

Review these 5 ideas and plan to embrace automation, learn and develop new skills and get excited about the future.