There’s no doubt technology has already drastically changed the workplace, and it shows no sign of slowing down. Many believe that automation and machine learning is the next wave of innovation that will alter the job landscape. And, for much of the workforce, that is worrisome.
Pew Research has found that most Americans anticipate widespread job automation that will likely disrupt several professions. In general, the U.S. public also expects that this spread of automation will have more negative than positive effects. It’s not surprising, considering the regular reports and predictions of how many jobs will be taken over by machines.
So how does HR, who is responsible for the management, development, and well-being of employees in an organization, help keep their company human as the market embraces automation more and more each day? The answer is simple—understanding the shift and the valuable role HR can play.
Automation vs. Machine Learning
The term “automation” refers to using mechanized processes to perform work with reduced—or even without—human intervention. It is designed to streamline tasks, particularly repetitive ones. Automation already plays a significant role in the workplace, from assembly line robots to self-checkout machines to automated emails.
The next level of automation is machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Machine learning takes routine tasks and adds a layer of prediction or decision-making. For example, automating invoice generation would send out invoices on the day you indicate; machine learning would analyze data to determine what day is optimal for sending out invoices, and would then do it.
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Automation and the Role of HR
In the coming decades, companies will need to navigate an effective transition to a workplace where humans and machines productively co-exist. Company leaders will have to consider machine learning’s impact on everything from productivity to job skills to morale and company culture. Human resource professionals are in the perfect position to play a vital role in this evolution.
Put on Your Strategy Hat
Protecting the human element as your organization transitions requires that HR becomes more strategic. For a more in-depth look at strategic HR, see “What Does ‘Strategic HR’ Really Mean? (And are you doing it?).” Business leaders already value HR professionals who are strategic partners. This will become even more essential when maneuvering the changing landscape between human and machine in the workplace.
Look for Complementary Skills When Hiring
Machine learning and automation can do many tasks better than humans, but the interpretation of that work and applying results in strategic and creative ways is still the domain of humans. So, automation will increasingly take care of the dull, rote, repetitive tasks, while humans provide the expertise and application.
As more machines take their place in the workforce, companies will still need human workers. But, they need ones who have complementary skills with technology, not competing ones. Understanding this shift will play a large factor in recruiting and hiring.
See how taking a talent optimization approach to hiring can help you find the right people with the right skills for the right positions.
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Workforce Planning
Artificial intelligence will force changes to the HR-related aspects of businesses. As companies accept more automation, HR professionals will need to stay on top of their organization’s workforce: the mix of full-time employees, part-time employees, contractors, and machines. Jobs will likely no longer be static. Therefore, HR professionals will need to develop their skill set in workforce shaping. These 10 tips can help you create a hiring forecast as part of your plan.
Ramp Up Training
The increase in automation will open a large area of opportunity for HR in training and career development. Flexible training tools that utilize technology will allow employees to learn on the job during lulls or when they need it. A clear vision of what employees need to know and the skills they need to possess in this changing workplace will allow HR to shine when it comes to training. Learn four ways you can up your employee development game now.
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Impact on Other HR Responsibilities
Some of HR’s primary responsibilities, like reducing turnover and boosting engagement, will be greatly impacted by the rise of workplace automation. While the predictions of the exact impact vary, the reality is that change is inevitable. In order to keep their human side, businesses will need to work on helping employees who are currently doing the type of tasks that automation can do better. This may mean retraining or upskilling some staff, or letting go of others. All of which fall under the HR umbrella.
Automating HR Tasks
Embracing automation and technology can also help HR professionals be more effective in their own jobs. Machines have the ability to collect and manage much more data than humans and also streamline processes, which can free HR professionals to focus on the heart of their organization—the people. Learn how automating these five processes with modern recruitment software can help maximize your HR time.
Balancing People and Machines
Keeping people as the top priority is important in automation efforts. HR can help fuel effective organizational transformation when integrating automation by finding ways to balance humans and machines. AI-driven tools and automation are designed to improve workflow processes so humans are freed up to do more of the things machines can’t do. Human Resources can help companies keep this important fact in mind.
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