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Human and robot fist bump

Your Newest Workplace Management Challenge? Helping Human and Robot Workers Coexist

Think managing people is difficult?

Get ready for an even bigger challenge:

Managing humans and robots as co-workers.

From autonomous cars and robotic pick-and-packers, to automated checkout lines and manufacturing “cobots,” technology is disrupting entire industries. This automation is causing fundamental shifts in how work is performed.

Case in point? McKinsey & Co. predicts that 45% of jobs performed by humans today will be automated out of existence within the next 20 years.

Transitioning to a workplace where humans and bots will need to work productively side by side could make or break your Middle Tennessee business. To prepare for the future, you must redefine what “collaboration” means within your organization – and prepare to lead a team that may have as many intelligent machines as people.

How can you help human and robot employees get along?

This Inc.com article by Matthew Yeomans shares the following recommendations:

  • Get over your fear. The best way to forge productive human-robot work relationships is by welcoming the benefits artificial intelligence brings – and not fearing for the worst. The change is coming whether you like it or not; savvy leaders will embrace this evolution and look for ways to capitalize on the upsides.
  • Start smart. Introduce robot workers in areas where they will provide the greatest benefit to humans. Identify low-level, repetitive tasks that drain your employees’ time and energy, and then implement tech in these areas to alleviate burdens on your employees. When your staff realizes the productivity and efficiency gains, they’ll be more likely to view machines as allies – not threats.
  • Foster a culture of trust. For your employees to truly regard robots as welcome partners (and not adversaries), they must have faith in the work these machines do. Introduce AI integrations incrementally, so humans have time to adjust and see how the new technology works. Over time, your people will relax as they gain confidence in how these machines work, which will build trust in the outcomes they produce.
  • Keep the proper perspective. Remind your employees that machines are just one resource they can call upon – and that they (not the bots) are the ones with the skills, reasoning, context and understanding that make human-machine relationships truly useful.

Robots haven’t taken over the workforce just yet.

For jobs that still require real humans, our Lebanon employment agency can connect you with the good people you need. Give our Wilson County staffing firm – or your local Wood Personnel office – a call today.

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