AI AND THE OFFICE OF TOMORROW
How will technology shape the office of tomorrow? Ruban Rajasooriyar, managing director of digital document management expert DocTech, discusses how automation and machine learning look set to revolutionise the workplace of the future.
The nature of work is changing rapidly. One of the key drivers of this change is the increasing use of automation and machine learning. These technologies are already having a major impact on the way we work – and we can expect them to become even more prominent across our workplaces in the years to come. In fact, research compiled by US online jobsite Zippia found 73% of business leaders believe machine learning will double the productivity of their employees. But will embracing new tech be a benefit or hindrance to businesses? In this article I will give my predictions on how it is likely to shape the office of the future - and the potential benefits and challenges these changes could bring. A better, happier workforce One of the biggest benefits of automation and machine learning is the ability to automate routine and repetitive tasks, such as data entry and processing. Already, 47% of manufacturers are supporting their current workforce using automation, with 24% using artificial
intelligence (AI) and robotics to perform routine tasks, while 16% use automation to augment human skills, according to Deloitte’s 2018 Global Human Capital Trends report. As more of these mundane tasks are automated, staff will be able to focus on more complex and creative work. As such, we are likely to see increased job satisfaction and engagement as employees spend more time on more engaging tasks that require creativity and problem-solving. The WorkMarket 2020 In(sight) Report by KRC Research, found 85% of business leaders believe workload automation will give them and their employees more time to focus on the goals that truly matter to the company. As a result, it should help to boost profitability of companies. Leaner operations This constantly evolving tech can also help to improve efficiency and productivity in the workplace. Organisations have been quick to improve physical inefficiencies but the admin processes such as document approvals are often still heavily reliant on manual input from staff. Indeed, 52% of business leaders believe they could automate 10-30% of their daily workload, according to KRC Research. When a task is repetitive, the person doing it, again and again, can get complacent. Automation can prevent
Ruban Rajasooriyar managing director DocTech
doctech.co.uk
or at least minimise human error. Repetitive tasks are often easy to automate making workstreams more accurate and efficient. In fact, according to an article recently published in Forbes , AI implementations can help boost productivity by 54%. For example, in January, Manchester housing group Mosscare
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