Automation Will Lead To Humanization In The Future Of Work

Predictions about the future of work have covered nearly all aspects of the workplace, from schedules to furniture, and everything in between.  

Over the last two years, these forecasts have been accelerated into our reality, with the pandemic ushering in the necessity of modern tools that help operate the economy. 

A new survey from Bain & Company conducted by Dynata showed that 25% of workers switched employers, making this the fastest reshuffling on record. This indicates that not only has the idea of what talent looks like changed rapidly, but what employees expect from their employers has too. 

Bain & Company’s survey of 20,000 workers revealed five specific themes that are shaping the workplace:

1. Motivations in the workplace have changed 
2. The idea of a “good job” has evolved 
3. Automation is playing a role in rehumanizing the workplace 
4. Relationships between employees and workplaces has become more fluid 
5. The pandemic has led young workers to experience mental health issues 

One such change has been the adoption of automation. For years, the idea that this technology would take over human-centric jobs instilled fear into many professionals.  

Modern companies that rely on technology must not forget about the importance of humanization, and leaders will be responsible in ensuring that their culture remains in touch with the soft skills that automation is not advanced enough to replicate. 

“Problem solving, creative, and interpersonal activities are more variable in nature and more reliant on higher human faculties. Workers will increasingly be able to enhance their performance in these domains with AI-powered virtual assistants,” the report reads. “But few experts believe such technologies will progress at a fast-enough pace to render human involvement obsolete anytime soon.”  

The survey also reveals changing attitudes about the workplace. Because workers have their own unique motives to do well at work, the concept of a “good job” also varies. 

According to Bain & Company, there are six archetypes of workers that exist, including:

1. Operators that find satisfactions outside of their jobs and prefer predictability 
2. Givers that seek work they know can make a difference to society 
3. Artisans that prefer mastering in what they consider interesting and captivating work 
4. Explorers that enjoy unpredictable work with a heavy dose of flexibility 
5. Strivers who wish to be successful and climb up the ladder at their job 
6. Pioneers who identify strongly with their work and have a desire to change the world 

Each archetype is motivated by something different, indicating that the future of work will require leadership that addresses these different needs and guides workers accordingly.