I can neither confirm nor deny that I may have botched the scheduled publication time of today’s post on VBA… But in the spirit of consistency, I still wanted to get something fresh out for anyone who may be reading in the evenings after work.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I am the type of person who spends a lot of my free time thinking. I often dwell in the realm of contemplation, a characteristic to which I attribute much of my success in my work (In my view, not a bug, but a feature). This post is a departure from the norm; it veers more towards the contemplative and philosophical than the usual snarky technical content.

In moments of quiet reflection, I grapple with questions about the consequences of our actions, creations, and the technology we employ. How do we strike a balance between the seductive speed of progress and the deeply ingrained belief that every person should strive to leave the world and the people they encounter better than they found them?

The term ‘automation,’ akin to ‘machination’ and ‘industrialization’ in bygone eras, carries with it the dual promise of societal progress and individual obsolescence. How can one, who claims to be mindful of his work’s implications, teach and revel in tools that might displace others?

I argue that the technology itself, or even the concept of automation, isn’t inherently problematic. The concern stems more from the prevailing perception of employees as costly assets. In a world where the bottom line dictates every business decision, people who can be replaced often are, simply because cutting costs boosts profits. It is my hope that by imparting what I’ve learned, and letting you learn from my experiences, you can sidestep some of the traps and detours that have cost me precious time. I aim to equip you with the skills to leverage these tools, rather than falling victim to them.

In the words of Santiago Valdarrama, ‘AI will not replace you, a person using AI will’. My mission is to ensure you’re the one wielding the AI.

Jeff

In an era dominated by algorithms, AI, and automation, one might easily succumb to the belief that the future of business is devoid of human touch. While it is true that machines are increasingly taking on tasks traditionally carried out by humans, the idea that the human element will become obsolete is not just inaccurate; it’s counterproductive. As the architects of this newfound world of automation, we need to remember the importance of incorporating the qualities that make us human: emotion and empathy.

The art of automation isn’t just a showcase of technical prowess; it’s a balancing act, especially for those of us working the magic behind the scenes. It’s about maintaining the efficiency and precision that machines offer while upholding the genuine human connection that technology lacks. It’s the fine line that exists between making tasks easier and making people irrelevant. As we step into this article, we will explore the often overlooked yet critical aspect of automation: its impact on the human element of a business.

So, join us as we delve into the philosophical considerations behind automation, the balance between efficiency and humanity, and the irreplaceable role that emotion and empathy play in the future of work. After all, what’s a world of machines without a heart beating at its core?

The Fear and Misconceptions Around Automation

Job Loss Fear

Automation, by its very definition, is designed to carry out tasks that were once done by humans. It’s not surprising then that one of the first fears that springs to mind when discussing automation is job loss. We’ve all heard the stories and read the headlines – factories closing down, production lines becoming fully automated, workers being made redundant. This fear is tangible and real, and it’s not entirely without basis.

But this doesn’t necessarily mean an equivalent number of humans will be left jobless. While it’s true that automation can replace certain types of jobs, especially those that are repetitive and routine, it’s equally true that technology creates new job opportunities. Think about the rise of jobs that didn’t exist a decade or two ago – social media managers, data scientists, app developers, etc. Automation has the potential to spawn an entirely new generation of jobs we can’t even imagine yet. As we move forward, it becomes more a question of job displacement and transition, rather than total job loss.

The Dehumanizing Effect

Another fear associated with automation is the potential loss of the ‘human touch.’ This is particularly prevalent in sectors like customer service, where automated chatbots and self-service portals are becoming increasingly common, especially with tools like Microsoft’s Power Virtual Agent and the offerings from companies like OpenAI coming into the limelight over the last few years. The concern is understandable – nobody likes talking to a robot when they have a problem that needs solving.

However, automation doesn’t necessarily mean the end of human interaction. In fact, it can provide more room for meaningful human contact. By taking care of repetitive tasks, automation can free up time for customer service representatives to handle more complex inquiries and build better relationships with customers. It’s about finding the right balance and using automation as a tool to enhance human services, not replace them entirely.

Fear of Dependency on Technology

There’s also a fear of becoming overly reliant on technology. What if the system crashes? What if there’s a power outage or cyber-attack? These are valid concerns, and everyone in the information security industry knows that we’re FAR less prepared than we should be on average. But in the age of digital transformation, turning our back on technology is not a viable option.

Instead, the answer lies in developing robust, resilient systems, and always having a backup plan. It means taking cybersecurity seriously and investing in safeguarding our data and systems. It’s about acknowledging the risks, but also recognizing the immense benefits that automation brings in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.

The Actual Trends

Finally, it’s worth addressing the reality of the impact of automation on the job market. Despite the fears, the actual trends paint a more complex picture. While certain jobs are indeed declining due to automation, others are on the rise.

In a 2020 report from the World Economic Forum, it was estimated that while 85 million jobs may be displaced by automation and artificial intelligence by 2025, another 97 million new roles could be created. This suggests a net gain of 12 million jobs.

The challenge we face is not so much about stopping automation, but rather about how we adapt, evolve, and ensure that employees are equipped with the skills needed for the jobs of the future. And that, perhaps, is where our focus should be – on education, reskilling, and building a workforce that’s ready for the automated world we’re rapidly moving towards.

Now that we’ve acknowledged and provided some context around some of the biggest fears surrounding the future of automation, I think we have some space to breathe. In the next section, let’s turn the tables and look at how emotion and empathy, the quintessential human traits, can play a role in shaping automation for the better.

Jeff

Emotion, Empathy and Automation – Unlikely Allies

Automation is often viewed as a purely logical, emotionless endeavor. After all, machines don’t feel, do they? But while the machines themselves might be devoid of emotion, the humans creating, using, and interacting with them certainly aren’t. This is where emotion and empathy come into the picture, and it’s a space we should pay careful attention to.

Emotional Investment

The first point to make is that humans have a natural, emotional connection to their work. Work is more than just a means to earn a living. It’s a source of purpose, a place for social interaction (yes, even in the modern remote and hybrid models), and a way to express our talents and skills. We take pride in our work, and this emotional investment can have a significant impact on our well-being.

So, what happens when a significant part of our work becomes automated? The truth is, it can be an emotionally challenging transition. Acknowledging and addressing these emotional responses is critical to a successful automation journey.

Employees may feel a sense of loss or redundancy as their tasks are taken over by machines. It’s essential to reassure them that automation is not a threat, but a tool. It’s not about replacing them, but freeing them from mundane, repetitive tasks so they can focus on more fulfilling, value-adding activities.

Empathy in Automation Design

Another crucial aspect is empathy in the design of automated systems. Empathy is about understanding and sharing the feelings of others. In automation, this translates into designing systems that are intuitive, user-friendly, and inclusive.

We need to consider the user experience at every step of the automation process. For example, chatbots should be designed to understand natural language and respond in a manner that feels human-like and empathetic. Automated emails should be personalized and context-aware, rather than sounding like they’re mass-produced by a robot.

Moreover, we need to think about accessibility. Are our automated systems designed in a way that accommodates people with different abilities and needs? Are they user-friendly enough for people who aren’t tech-savvy? Empathy-driven design can help ensure automation is beneficial and accessible to all.

Empathy in Change Management

Lastly, empathy is crucial in managing the change that comes with automation. We need to be sensitive to employees’ concerns and provide support through training, upskilling, and reassurance.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record (hah, some people won’t get that reference), implementing automation can be a huge shift for many employees. It’s important to have empathy for their situation and provide the necessary tools and training for them to succeed in an automated environment. This can involve re-skilling initiatives, mentorship programs, or creating a supportive community where employees can share their experiences and learn from each other.

In conclusion, automation is not just about efficiency and productivity. It’s also about people – their emotions, their needs, their fears, and their hopes. As we move forward in the age of automation, let’s ensure we bring our humanity with us.

Unleashing the Human Potential: The Benefits of Automation

Now, let’s embark on a journey of optimism and visualize a future where employers remain cognizant of their team’s apprehensions and proactively offer training on these new tools and capabilities. Of course, the introduction of automation won’t simply mean business as usual with a new button to click or a new software interface to navigate. In many ways, the implementation of automation is a bridge we cross that permanently changes the landscape of our workplace. Though it might be a daunting prospect, crossing this bridge also heralds a wealth of potential improvements.

Boosting Productivity and Enhancing Quality of Work

With automation stepping in to handle repetitive, mundane tasks, employees are freed to focus on more challenging, fulfilling aspects of their work. They can devote more time to creative problem-solving, strategic planning, and innovation. Not only does this make work more enjoyable, but it also improves the quality of output. By removing the risk of human error in repetitive tasks, automation also enhances accuracy and consistency in our work.

Work-Life Balance and Well-being

Automated processes can function 24/7 without fatigue. By reducing the need for overtime and late-night work, automation can improve the work-life balance for many individuals. This improvement can have significant effects on employee well-being, reducing stress levels and improving overall job satisfaction.

Creating Opportunities for Learning and Growth

Automation changes the nature of some jobs and creates new ones. It shifts the focus from manual tasks to more cognitive ones. As a result, employees have opportunities to upskill and reskill, growing their knowledge base and expanding their professional horizons, often finding new opportunities to engage in creative and thought-provoking tasks that they would have otherwise missed. In this way, automation can be a springboard for career advancement and personal development.

Improved Decision Making

Many automated systems involve some level of data analysis, providing insights that were previously difficult or time-consuming to obtain. These insights allow for evidence-based decision making, improving the quality of those decisions. They also free up time for employees to consider the strategic implications of those decisions, rather than just crunching numbers.

Cultivating a More Inclusive Workforce

Automation can make the workplace more inclusive. For example, voice recognition software can make software more accessible for individuals with mobility impairments. Similarly, automation can open up opportunities for individuals who might struggle with certain manual tasks.

While automation does present challenges, it also offers significant benefits. By focusing on these benefits and learning how to leverage automation, individuals can not only adapt to an automated workplace but thrive in it. Remember, automation is a tool. Used thoughtfully and strategically, it can enhance our work, free up our time, and open up new opportunities for growth and learning.

Harnessing the Future Today: Learning to Surf the Automation Wave

We’re standing on the brink of an exciting future, looking out over a sea of automation. I won’t pretend that it doesn’t look a little daunting – it does. But I believe that we have the power to shape our own futures, and the key to that is education.

I’ve always been a firm believer in the saying “knowledge is power”. The more you understand about a subject, the less it can scare you (except how anesthesia works; that’s terrifying, and I wish I’d never thought to look it up). As I’ve said in previous posts, that’s why I started this blog – to help demystify analysis and automation and give you the tools to not just survive in this changing world, but to truly thrive.

So, what does thriving look like in this future we’re staring down? Well, for starters, it doesn’t mean turning into robots or losing our humanity. No, it means using the tools of automation to amplify our own human skills and talents. It means freeing up time from repetitive tasks to engage in creative, strategic thinking. It means being able to communicate more effectively, make data-driven decisions, and bring more value to our workplaces.

But how do we get there? The answer, my friends, is education. By learning about these technologies, we can get ahead of the curve, becoming active participants in the automation revolution rather than passive bystanders.

Imagine a future where the mention of a new automated tool in the office doesn’t send shivers down your spine, but instead sparks excitement for what possibilities it could bring. Imagine being a leader in your workplace, driving innovation and change.

This is the future I want for all of us. It’s a future where technology enhances our human abilities, rather than replacing them. A future where we harness the power of automation to foster creativity, collaboration, and connection.

So, let’s continue to learn together, to face the future with optimism and determination. Let’s shape this future into one that celebrates the harmony between human creativity and technological advancement. And remember, automation isn’t an end – it’s a new beginning, a new journey.

Let’s embark on this journey with our heads held high and our minds wide open, ready to learn, ready to adapt, and ready to surf the automation wave. The future of automation is in our hands, so let’s ensure it’s one we can all share in and benefit from. Let’s make sure it’s a future where we’re not just surviving, but thriving.

Thanks for reading!