‘Smart machines will replace people for repetitive work’

Nearly two-thirds (63%) of employees in India believe automation, smart machines and artificial intelligence will replace people for repetitive work in the next few years, says a study by ADP, a human capital solutions provider, titled Evolution of Work. About 61% of those surveyed welcomed the trend. Employees in India were more positive than their counterparts from across Asia when it came to automation.

This study was conducted across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific to understand how trends were impacting the workplace and the needs of employees. It took a global look at workplace trends across 2,000 individuals in 13 countries. Both employers and employees were surveyed to explore differences in their perspectives and to understand how different regions perceive and/or lead the charge for change.

Employees in India were found to be more eager than employees across the region to adopt new workplace technologies. Eighty two per cent of respondents in India said they were excited about the ability to do all their work through a mobile device. About 84% of the employees were optimistic about the prospect of using technology to learn anything, anytime anywhere.

John Antos, VP marketing, Asia Pacific for ADP, says, “The research indicates that employees in India may be more open to change than their APAC counterparts. This could be a distinct advantage in today’s fast-changing business environment.”

Technology proficiency is also predicted to become an important tool in facilitating a healthy work-life balance where employees of different ages and life circumstances (such as people with young families) can work and make valuable contributions to their organisations in their own time or after hours.

Employers will also need to be aware of – and manage – five trends in order to lead and grow in the future, regardless of geography or industry. Employees’ demand for greater flexibility; access to real-time learning; increased autonomy; a sense of stability; and the ability to work on personally meaningful projects are driving global workplace transformation, the study says.