Workforce Efficiency in the Age of Automation: 3 Strategies That Work

It’s become cliché to state that automation and AI are rapidly changing how work gets done. However, it’s rooted in truth; automation is redefining work. Business leaders are facing pressure to increase productivity because of the efficiency gains automated tools promise. The good news is workforce efficiency — without layoffs and with employee engagement — is possible.  

What Workforce Efficiency Means Today 

Modern workforce efficiency is not achieved through ad-hoc cost-cutting or sporadic layoffs. These actions generally offer short-term financial relief at the risk of broader efficiency gains and employee upskilling.   

Workforce efficiency aligns people, processes, and technology (PPT). Efficiency alone isn’t enough. When even one part of the PPT equation is misaligned, optimal performance suffers and negatively impacts an organization’s ability to shift and change in response to the competitive landscape.  

The Human Impact of Automation at Work 

The best processes and the most advanced technologies are ineffective without the right people to deploy them.

Employees fear job displacement because of AI, many times, because of a lack of clear communication by the company to articulate its AI strategy and policy, as well as training and coaching.  

The Importance of Retaining Employees During the Uncertainty of Automation 

While automation is here to stay, people remain crucial to business success. In fact, employee retention provides company-wide value. It safeguards institutional knowledge, company culture, and the cost of turnover. 

Transparency around automation goes a long way in assuaging employee uncertainty. As a result, employee turnover often decreases, and, most importantly, employee engagement often increases. Automation should create excitement and energy; doing things better, leading the market in technology brands a company well.  

3 Strategies to Improve Workforce Efficiency 

The introduction of AI into the workforce is creating efficiencies. In some cases, it's also negatively impacting employee morale. Here’s how to use this new technology for business growth without alienating your people. 

1. Find Your “Why” for Implementing AI 

Many companies are rushing to add every new technology to their tech stack. And while integrating automation and AI into your workflows is important, participating in copycat tech adoption to keep up is a mistake. You’ll end up paying for tools your employees don’t want or know how to use. 

Consider what gains your business wishes to accomplish, then make a deliberate plan for discovery, testing, policy-writing, communicating, and launching.    

 Change management will need to be part of the launch. When employees see an organized approach to change, they are more inclined to embrace the changes, approach the technology with enthusiasm, and be critical to success.  

2. Upskill or Reskill Your Key Talent 

Job displacement has been at the center of the AI debate. Not to be ignored is the opportunity AI creates to reshape current roles and create new roles. 

Evaluate your talent and consider upskilling and/or reskilling your team members. Imagine a financial analyst responsible for monthly forecasting, which is now automated. Instead of doing the forecasting themself, they can become an expert in AI tools for finance, making sure the forecasts are accurate and compliant. The analyst can also bridge the gap between their team and the data scientists at the firm. Our fictional financial analyst is now a financial technology strategist. 

Upskilling and reskilling create efficiencies by providing new paths for existing talent. Add to that the efficiencies gained with new technologies, and you’re on your way to growth and transformation. 

3. Automate Tedious Tasks 

When redundant tasks are automated, you clear a path for individuals to focus on strategic aspects of their jobs, and contribute in higher level ways.  Automating low-skill, low-value, tedious, or repetitive tasks also creates an opportunity for more meaningful work, which is in the top ten list of what employees are seeking from their jobs. 

Efficiency That Works for People and Business 

Whether you’re upskilling your talent or adding AI to tackle tedious tasks, one thing is clear: Making space for individuals to do their best work because of technology is the path to workforce efficiency, engagement, and retention — all leading to company success.   

EisnerAmper offers artificial intelligence consulting. Couple it with our change management or other HR advisory and outsourcing services for a comprehensive, industry-specific solution.