More than 90 percent of American workers want AI-supported data collection in the workplace, according to a recent study commissioned by SS&C Blue Prism.
The findings show that most workers are open-minded about seeing more automation in the workplace and believe AI’s impact on their role will be positive.
SS&C Blue Prism’s research explores the views of more than 1,000 workers across the U.S., the United Kingdom, Australia and Germany. In the U.S., 63 percent think AI will enable them to complete tasks faster, save time and drive efficiencies. Most workers also believe that automation will allow them to focus on much more complex tasks as a result (55%).
Workers say data plays a critical role in business operations, with three-quarters of respondents seeing its role as “extremely important.” Over half (58%) of workers are already using some form of automation.
What is it expected to help with the most?
The research shows that employees are distracted by the flood of emails and meetings they face daily, with 65 percent open to utilising a digital worker to help manage workload, such as sending them to meetings. AI’s learning capabilities mean that as automations and AI-bots process more information and do more tasks, they will be able to better support staff.
Two of the biggest frustrations for workers when it comes to automation is the need to still complete some tasks manually (84%), and the need to correct or approve tasks carried out by automation (51%). Automation will not just improve productivity, but it will allow people to expand their skills and engage in more creative and meaningful work.
The changing work environment
Businesses’ movements towards automation are a response to a rapidly changing work environment and rising competitive pressures. The research indicates that the future of the workforce is one that utilizes AI and automation to maximise the impact of data.
“We’re excited to see workers hold a positive outlook on automation and the future of the workforce. Headlines around the loss of jobs to automation overlook that automation will change the nature of their work rather than eliminate roles. This provides the opportunity to focus on more satisfying work without getting bogged down in the reams of administrative work contributing to overstretched and exhausted workers. The future of the workforce is well-rounded and balanced thanks to the support of digital workers, and it seems that workers are already recognizing that,” said Beth Homer, General Manager, Americas at SS&C Blue Prism.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
