The term hybrid workforce first became widespread during the adaptation phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. It referred mostly to the relocation of employees, from office buildings to home offices. Alternating the two spaces became known as the hybrid way of working. However post-pandemic, the term is taking on a whole new meaning.
Today, rather than just describing the whereabouts of the employees, the term #HybridWorkforce defines its composition. Briefly, it describes the fusion between human workers, digital software robots, and automation platforms like Atomatik. In this article, we are going to dive into what this means for the future of business, and what companies need to do to ensure that the integration of the digital workforce delivers its full potential.
Automation in business
Humans have always wanted to make their work easier. That is how the wheel was invented, which could be argued was the first form of automation. Fast forward four thousand years, and technologies like robotic process automation (RPA), Intelligent Automation (IA), and Artificial Intelligence (AI), have proven their value universally. In fact, according to Deloitte, 78% of companies worldwide are already using RPA as part of their digitalization efforts, while 16% are planning to do so in the next three years. Yet only 26% of the companies that are just piloting automation and 38% of the ones that are scaling are conducting these efforts using a firm-wide intelligent automation strategy.
In all cases, it is essential to have a deep understanding of the hybrid workforce and its potential for a company’s growth. The accelerated adoption of intelligent automation raises the need to reimagine the workforce completely, a need that is much more rooted in the present than it is in the future. The reasons for this fast-paced implementation of IA are truly diverse. Most companies are looking to increase their productivity and limit time spent on mundane tasks. Others want to reduce costs or increase employee and customer satisfaction. Regardless of the purpose, automation is changing work to the core in most industries. Achieving the desired business outcomes through increased productivity, better cost, and time efficiencies, can only be done by unifying the digital workforce with the core resource of any business: its people.
Cultivating new mindsets
Business leaders have become aware that combining process optimization with low-code/no-code technologies enhances business processes to new levels. However, 58% of these businesses have yet to study the effects of technology on their human workforce. The result is a blurred view that prevents them from creating high-potential hybrid-working teams.
The narrative that advocates massive job losses to machines is well rooted in collective mindsets, even though it is firmly contradicted by facts. People still fear mechanical or software robots, and an important part of this outcome is due to lack of or improper reskilling and education. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, the large-scale adoption of intelligent automation has produced 97 million jobs, while it is expected to adjust 85 million roles by 2025, following the division of labor between humans and digital workers. Digital transformation through intelligent automation creates value for all parties involved, from employees to customers, without the need for downsizing.
For a hybrid workforce to be cultivated and thrive, it needs to be founded on a people-centric approach. Getting the most from technology can only be done when uniquely human skills are well highlighted.
Human skills for the future
Harnessing the full potential of a hybrid workforce is impeded by a lack of training and skill shortages, as well as an inability to attract the right talent.
According to the same report from WEF, some of the top skills that are predicted to be most needed by 2025 are uniquely human and include:
· Critical thinking and analysis
· Problem-solving
· Innovation
· Creativity, originality, and initiative
· Leadership and social influence
· Service orientation
· Persuasion and negotiation
· Self-management
· Management and communication
Employers, therefore, need to provide a learning ground for developing such skills, and new ones, and foster a culture where data and technology are seen as enablers.
Creating a hybrid workforce with Atomatik
Combining human intelligence with the capabilities of digital workers to handle large volumes of repetitive tasks around the clock carries limitless possibilities. For employees, having digital co-workers can bring massive benefits to satisfaction levels and work-life balance, with four-day workweeks becoming increasingly popular. Companies that will enable their people to explore their full potential by delegating mundane work will be the ones best equipped to navigate unpredictable contexts.
Automation solutions, like Atomatik’s no-code platform, can be easily integrated into a hybrid workforce, regardless of whether a company is starting its journey into automation or scaling. The user-friendly interface and extensive process library enable employees to easily train a digital software assistant in just minutes. Digital software assistants can interact with applications and files similarly to human workers, enabling the latter to delegate high-volume, rule-based tasks. Our experts guide companies on their automation journey and through the complete process of developing or enhancing a hybrid workforce.
If you want to learn more about how Atomatik can help your company achieve digital transformation with intelligent automation, book a call to talk to our sales team today.
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