Automation in Business: What It Means for Jobs and Work-life Balance
In previous articles, I discussed the complexities of implementing automation in business. One of the main questions is: If my tasks are automated, will I lose my job?
Here, let’s explore how automation is reshaping the workplace and what changes we can expect.
Work-life Balance
Firstly, let's consider how and work-life balance helps a company. As I have written about before, the long-term success of a team is essential to the long-term success of a business.
Automation can help employees be more efficient and reduce time on repetitive tasks, freeing them to focus on higher-value activities that require creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. Also, by enabling a healthier work-life balance and allowing employees to invest their time in meaningful work, automation supports individual well-being and the company’s broader goals.
In the long run, this balance between technology and human skills fosters a more resilient and motivated workforce better equipped to drive business success.
Emergence of New Job Roles
Secondly, the job market is increasingly offering roles that require expertise in both finance and IT. This is particularly exciting for professionals like myself in finance, as it opens new and challenging roles to explore.
When implementing automation, finance and IT teams often approach the task from different angles. The finance team asks, What needs to be achieved? while the IT team considers, How can we achieve it? Clear and precise communication between these departments is essential for efficient collaboration and quick results.
However, the future will demand more from professionals—a blending of skills across finance and IT. As AI continues to develop, professionals proficient in both fields will bring immense value to organizations of any size and level of automation.
New Software Development
Thirdly, as automation advances, companies will need professionals to adapt existing software quickly or create new tools that align with their needs. This flexibility in software development is crucial for businesses aiming to stay competitive in an evolving market.
Client Support Roles
Lastly, despite increased automation, the demand for client support remains strong, especially as companies adopt new financial software. Specialists are needed to answer questions, troubleshoot, and resolve issues. It is essential to remember that automation is not meant to replace specialists. It is important to note that Robotic Process Automation (RPA) lacks critical and analytical thinking, functioning strictly within the parameters set by human programmers.
In conclusion, it is an exciting time for businesses. As they integrate more RPA software, employees must develop advanced skills to ask precise questions and engage meaningfully with these tools. Importantly, automation can streamline repetitive tasks, freeing time for employees to develop their skills and take on more complex, meaningful work.
By the same author:
Balancing Automation: How Robotics are Shaping the Future of Business
Tailoring Automation: Finding the Right Fit for Your Business Needs
How to create an efficient team - a personal approach
