How Automation and Robotics Will Change the Labour Market
Automation is changing the labour market, but it doesn’t have to be scary. Read more about how automation will reorient us but not eliminate us.
Although an increase in robotics and automation in the workforce is sure to influence changes in the labour market, its implementation is much more likely to redistribute workers rather than replace them. With the inevitable movement of jobs coming as a result of increased automation, we can expect changes to education practices and improved worker safety.
Though many are frightened that automation is a threat to the job market by potentially replacing human workers with robotics, research suggests that less than 5% of occupations can be entirely automated by existing technology. So, while it will certainly change how we work, this research suggests that automation won’t change whether we work.
Movement of jobs
By using automation to perform repetitive and low-level tasks, employees previously responsible for these duties will be able to move into new roles that complement the performance of the robotics. Positions and responsibilities will be redefined, resulting in new careers and even new industries. While there will be inevitable adjustments to sector shift, it can be smoothed over with education and reskilling initiatives.
Emphasis on education
As organizations increase reliance on automation, the resultant increase in demand for engineers in the robotics industry means that we’ll also see rising enrollment numbers for STEM-related programs in colleges and universities. In this case, we’ll see educational institutions readjust their programs, but can also expect training initiatives outside of the classroom to promote the technical skills needed in the workplace.
Furthermore, as employees move into the new roles created by automation, it will become necessary to train them for new responsibilities. These training programs may upgrade an employee’s ability to work with new equipment, but can also focus on developing creative skills and social skills such as negotiating and persuading. These types of soft skills cannot be replaced by current robotic technology, and can serve as a valuable diversification of an employee’s skill set.
Greater workplace safety
Automation and robotics removes employees from potentially dangerous tasks, reducing the number of potential accidents and injuries. Workers can experience physical strain from repetitive motions, heavy lifting and lengthy hours of standing. Though many employers have begun to introduce ergonomic controls in the workplace, robotics equipment can alleviate these types of injuries while optimizing workflow processes.
Just as the introduction of computers to the office environment changed the role of office administrators, automation and robotics will have a considerable impact on our economy, most immediately in the manufacturing sector. Introducing automation in the workforce creates a more efficient, productive and safe workforce, ultimately proving that a healthy combination of automation and skilled workers can create an efficient and prosperous work dynamic.
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