The term “automation” has been a buzzword in recent years, and it seems that everything is becoming automated. It’s also constantly in the news. The debate over whether automation is good or bad for the economy is ongoing.
There are many opinions on the future of automation, and the job market. Some believe that it will be the end of the job market as we know it. Others believe that it will create more jobs. While no one can predict the future, there are a few things we can predict based on current and past trends.
1. Automation will take over tasks – not jobs.
While some jobs will be replaced by automation, most will not. However, many of the tasks that make up the job will be automated. This will change the nature of work for all employees, even those in the C-suite.
Those who are able to adapt to these changes will thrive in their careers. The most successful businesses will be the ones that have leaders who are able to identify where automation can be used and then implement it into their business.
The businesses that are able to successfully implement automation will be able to create more jobs, as well. Businesses that are able to grow and expand will need more employees to do the work that can’t be automated.
The good news is that most experts don’t believe that automation will lead to mass unemployment. However, it will likely lead to a shift in the types of jobs available, and it could make it more difficult for some workers to find new jobs.
The main reason that automation is unlikely to lead to mass unemployment is that advances in technology also create new jobs. For example, the rise of the internet and e-commerce led to the creation of millions of jobs in fields that didn’t even exist before, such as website design, software engineering, and social media management. The same is likely to be true of the jobs of the future.
In addition, there are some jobs that are unlikely to be automated any time soon. For example, jobs that require creativity, critical thinking, or complex problem-solving are difficult to automate. While computers can do some of these things, they’re not able to do all of them, at least not yet. If you’re in a job that requires these skills, you’re likely to be safe from automation.
On the other hand, jobs that involve repetitive tasks or that can be easily broken down into a series of steps are more likely to be automated. For example, jobs in manufacturing, data entry, and telemarketing are at a higher risk of being automated. If you’re in a job that involves repetitive tasks, you may be at risk of automation.
2. Automation will create more jobs.
While automation will certainly displace some jobs, it will also create new ones. In fact, a report from the World Economic Forum (WEF) predicts that 97 million new jobs will emerge by 2025 due to automation.
The WEF’s report also predicts that jobs in sales, engineering, and IT will see the most growth. However, jobs in care roles, data, and artificial intelligence will also see significant growth.
3. Automation will increase economic growth.
Automation will create new jobs, which will increase the number of workers participating in the economy. It will also free up time for workers to focus on higher-value tasks, which will increase productivity and economic growth.
As the economy grows, companies will invest more in automation and create more jobs. This will create a virtuous cycle of growth that will benefit workers and companies alike.
4. Automation will create a high demand for skilled workers.
There is a common misconception that automation will replace human workers. However, the opposite is true. Automation will create jobs, not replace them. Although some jobs will become obsolete, new jobs will be created to support the technology and fill other roles. With this in mind, the job market will see a high demand for skilled workers.
Some of the most in-demand jobs will be those that involve developing, building, and maintaining automation systems. Engineers, software developers, and data scientists will be needed to develop new technologies. Workers who can build, program, and maintain robots and other automated systems will also be in high demand.
In addition to these roles, many other jobs will be in demand. As companies adopt new technologies, they will need workers who can help them implement and use these systems. Managers, salespeople, and other workers who are familiar with automation and other technologies will also be in high demand.
5. Automation will increase wages.
The global pandemic has had a dramatic effect on the job marketing landscape, with millions of workers being laid off or furloughed. But despite the downturn, wages have remained relatively stable. In fact, some industries have seen a significant increase in wages.
One of the reasons for this is that companies are investing in automation to reduce their labor costs. As a result, they are able to pay their workers more. This is a trend that is likely to continue as automation becomes more prevalent in the workplace.
While it’s true that automation can lead to job displacement, it can also lead to job creation. And as companies invest in new technologies, they will need workers with the skills to operate and maintain those technologies. This will put upward pressure on wages and create new opportunities for workers.
6. Automation will decrease the cost of goods and services.
One of the biggest benefits of automation is that it can dramatically decrease the cost of goods and services.
When companies use robots and other automated systems to build products, they can produce goods at a fraction of the cost of making them by hand. This is because robots don’t require wages, benefits, or time off, and they can work around the clock without getting tired.
Lower production costs allow companies to sell their products for less, which can make a big difference in the lives of consumers. This is especially true for people who live in areas where the cost of living is high, or for those who are on a fixed income.
7. Automation will create a better work-life balance.
The 40-hour workweek has been the standard for a long time, but many people are starting to question whether it’s the most effective way to work. Automation can help answer that question by taking over tedious, time-consuming tasks and allowing workers to focus on high-value projects and better interpersonal communication through team bonding.
When machines take over the tasks that take up a lot of time but don’t require much thought, workers can spend more time on the tasks that do require a human touch. This can lead to an increase in job satisfaction and a better work-life balance.
If you’re ready to get back to a 40-hour workweek and enjoy a better work-life balance, take a look at our list of the best automation tools and start streamlining your tasks.
Conclusion
It’s important to note that automation isn’t a job-killer. While the job market will change, the jobs that will be lost are the jobs that require repetitive tasks. These jobs are often the least satisfying, and workers who are displaced by automation will have the opportunity to reskill and retrain into better jobs. The future of work will be different, but it doesn’t have to be worse.
