Sir/Madam,
A recent study conducted on behalf of Infosys found that almost 50 percent of young people are concerned about automation replacing their jobs within the next ten years. The fears, encapsulated in decades of science fiction films, appear to be taking root in the real world and there is now a generation full of fear that technological advancement will prevent them from prospering.
This couldn’t be further from the truth. The fact of the matter is that businesses should only need to cut jobs if they suffer a loss of profits, which is the exact opposite of the improved efficiency, productivity and return on investment that automation tools provide businesses. Making use of business automation drives increased profit for businesses and contributes to a healthier economic climate supporting even lower-level jobs in yielding a higher return on employee investment.
Software automation, for example, can be used to streamline sales by determining customers most likely to make a purchase based on behaviour and connecting them to a sales advisor. This means less time is wasted and provides a more strategic approach to sales, with calls more likely to result in actual profit. If anything, the idea of a world with less nuisance sales calls should be accepted with open arms – by both the public and businesses!
The automation anxiety that is engulfing young people is a result of the same technophobic scaremongering we saw when industrial robotics were introduced to the factory floor. It’s media-induced panic that isn’t an accurate reflection of the actual situation, and it’s one that we think needs to be nipped in the bud with a more educated, realistic discussion and education on new technologies. It’s time the wider media relayed reality and helped educate young people so they are prepared to make the most of their future work environment, rather than just creating attention grabbing headlines.
Best regards,
Howard Williams