Change management in automation can overcome psychological barriers with effective training and communication, boosting employee performance and engagement.
Table of Contents
Common employee issues
As companies adopt automation, they often encounter several challenges related to their workforce. These issues not only affect the successful implementation of new technologies but also negatively impact employee morale and mindset. Here are the three most common problems:
Shortage of skilled technical personnel
One of the biggest challenges is the shortage of technically skilled employees. Many staff members lack the necessary skills or knowledge to work with new technologies. This not only reduces the effectiveness of the automation process but also leads to feelings of pressure and anxiety among employees. According to a report by the World Economic Forum (WEF), nearly 50% of employees feel unconfident in using new technologies in their daily work.
Resistance to change
A significant barrier is the reluctance to change. Employees often prefer familiar workflows, and the prospect of learning and adapting to new technologies can cause discomfort and anxiety. A Deloitte survey indicates that 60% of employees admit to feeling anxious when faced with significant changes in their work.
Fear of technology replacing jobs
The fear of job loss due to automation is a major barrier that affects employee morale and collaboration. Many worry that automation will eliminate their current positions, leading to fear and resistance. According to a McKinsey study, 30% of employees believe their jobs could be replaced by automation within the next 5-10 years, creating significant psychological pressure.
The key to the problem – Training and communication About automation benefits
To overcome these employee-related barriers during automation implementation, companies need to focus on effective training and communication. Training and communication are crucial to addressing the challenges related to the workforce in automation. By providing quality training programs and clear communication about the benefits of automation, businesses can help employees overcome their reluctance to change and fears, achieving the cooperation and consensus necessary for successful technology implementation.
Employee training
Providing detailed training programs to enhance employees’ skills and knowledge about automation is the first and most important step. Training not only helps employees understand how the new technology works but also allows them to see the benefits and potential that automation brings.
Specific examples:
- Organize In-depth Training Sessions: Companies can hold courses and workshops on automation, where employees receive specific guidance and hands-on practice with new technologies.
- Invite External Experts: To ensure training quality, businesses can invite automation experts to teach and share their experiences.
- Utilize Online Learning Platforms: Platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer various automation courses, enabling employees to learn anytime, anywhere.
Clear communication about automation benefits
Another crucial factor is clear and transparent communication about the benefits of automation. When employees understand the advantages that automation offers, they are more likely to accept and support changes in their work.
Specific examples:
- Internal Meetings: Companies can organize internal meetings to clearly explain the benefits of automation, such as increased work efficiency, reduced manual workload, and new career development opportunities.
- Emails and Newsletters: Sending regular emails and newsletters to update employees on the automation implementation process, achievements, and specific benefits they can expect.
- Other Communication Materials: Using videos, articles on the company intranet, and other communication materials to visually and clearly explain the benefits of automation.
Fast to Mass Methodology by akaBot – Enhancing Performance and Business Value
The Fast to Mass methodology by akaBot is an effective strategy to address employees’ psychological barriers during automation adoption. This methodology consists of three main stages, each targeting a crucial aspect of technology acceptance and implementation:
- Communication:
- Goal: Enhance employees’ awareness and understanding of automation.
- Activities: To ensure that employees understand the benefits of automation, akaBot encourages organizing meetings, workshops, and utilizing communication channels such as emails and internal newsletters. Clearly explaining the benefits and objectives of the new technology helps alleviate anxiety and build consensus.
- Training:
- Goal: Improve employees’ skills and knowledge about automation.
- Activities: akaBot focuses on providing in-depth training programs, inviting external experts, and utilizing online learning platforms. This approach helps employees master new tools and processes, boosting their confidence and effectiveness.
- Implementation:
- Goal: Ensure a smooth and efficient transition process.
- Activities: akaBot recommends testing the new system on a small scale, collecting feedback from employees, and making adjustments before full deployment. This proactive approach helps identify issues early and ensure the successful adoption of new technology.
By effectively combining communication and training, resistance from employees is significantly reduced, a key aspect of change management. Employees gain a clearer understanding of the new technology’s benefits and feel more comfortable using it. With the right skills and knowledge, productivity increases, and morale improves. Employees feel more secure in their positions and less anxious about being replaced by technology. These factors contribute to greater employee satisfaction and engagement, highlighting the importance of effective change management.
Success stories: How companies effectively manage change during digital transformation
Many companies have successfully managed change while implementing automation through effective communication strategies. Toyota, one of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers, serves as an exemplary case. During its automation system implementation in its factories, Toyota conducted numerous internal meetings and workshops to explain the benefits of the new technology to all employees. They utilized communication channels such as emails, internal newsletters, and instructional materials to clarify the advantages of automation systems, such as minimizing production errors and increasing productivity. As a result, productivity at Toyota’s factories increased by 20%, and employee satisfaction significantly improved.
Furthermore, Siemens, a major technology and manufacturing corporation, has also seen positive results from its change management efforts. Siemens has heavily invested in automation and digital transformation in its manufacturing facilities. According to a report from Siemens, the company experienced a 25% growth in revenue and a 20% reduction in operating costs within the first year of implementing automation technology. These outcomes not only helped reduce costs but also improved the overall performance of the business, enhancing its competitiveness in the market.
akaBot (FPT) is the operation optimization solution for enterprises based on the RPA (Robotic Process Automation) platform combined with Artificial Intelligence, Process Mining, OCR, Intelligent Document Processing, Machine Learning, Conversational AI, etc. Serving clients in 21+ countries, across 08 domains such as Banking & Finances, Retail, IT Services, Manufacturing, and Logistics…, akaBot is featured in “Voice of the Customer” for Robotics Process Automation” by Gartner Peer Insights, G2, and ranked as Top 6 Global RPA Platform by Software Reviews. akaBot also won the prestigious Stevie Award, The Asian Banker Award 2021, Everest Group’s RPA Products PEAK Matrix® 2023, etc.
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