Workplace automation has gained a great deal of mind share among business leaders in the last several years. A recent study by the University of Oxford, found that 47% of all U.S. jobs in were at risk of being fully automated over the next 20 years. Their research specifically cited jobs in transportation, logistics, and office and administrative support, as being at “high risk” of automation.
In 2017, an American Staffing Association Workforce Monitor survey revealed that most Americans think automation is inevitable (82%), and will fundamentally impact the quantity (79%) and types (68%) of jobs available in the U.S. Seventy-two percent believe its increased use will lead to higher unemployment.
When automation in the workplace is discussed, people often think of robots taking over jobs and pushing humans out of the workplace. But automation is already here and chances are it’s making your job easier.
Look at the CRM you use every day. Instead of writing prospect notes on a slip of paper you’re likely to lose in a pile of other papers, you’ve got a system that not only has the prospect’s contact info, but also data about their business, a record of when you spoke to them and what you spoke about.
Remember depending on tickler files or similar paper systems to remind you when to follow up with a client? How much more efficient is it to get an automated reminder through your CRM?
In the long run, automation is likely to have a positive impact on business and employment. Americans are starting to get on board. Slightly more of those surveyed (34%) believe that automation will have a positive impact on the workforce in the next 10 years or more — compared with 31% who say it will be negative. And 35% are neutral or don’t know.
The Oxford survey found that most (73%) do not believe their work can be performed by robots or artificial intelligence, and 85% agree the human factor outweighs any benefits from automating their job. Ninety percent say it’s likely some tasks can never be fully automated.
Are they correct? Perhaps.
Employers are increasingly turning to automation to increase efficiencies and optimize workflow. Programs and systems that can help companies cut personnel costs are always in demand.
Automation can help employers clear the desks of their higher-paid employees of rote tasks that waste their (expensive) time; ensuring they are using their skills and experience to the maximum.
Where does the staffing industry fit?
For the staffing industry, automation brings a great deal of opportunity. When staffing firms leverage automation to its full potential, they are able to operate more efficiently, boost their bottom line and get more done.
Automation allows them to serve their clients better by:
Providing expert help. Contract employees can get systems up and running and train full-time staff on how to use it. They can act as a bridge until staff employees become fully proficient.
Improving ratios. An ATS helps narrow the candidate field from many to few, presenting only the best candidates, making it quicker and less expensive to hire.
Streamlining processes. Whether it’s deploying workers to multiple locations or working with your MSP, automation can make processes more successful and consistent.
To learn more about what automation can do for your staffing firm, contact the experts at Avionté. Our solutions go beyond staffing software to deliver the support you need to operate efficiently and cost-effectively.
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