Automation has
changed the workplace. Robots might not be taking over jobs, but soft skills
are now becoming much more important than hard skills in many positions.
Employees should pursue training to increase their soft skills and knowledge in
order to offer something beyond tasks that can be accomplished by automation.
Automation
simplified many basic tasks, allowing workers to spend more time on complex
issues. In order to take advantage of that freedom, employees should be
pursuing the creative, personable and agile capabilities that are valuable in a
tech-supported world.
One example of
how automation can support employee tasks is demonstrated by Walmart. When
Walmart saw industry shifting toward technology and automation, they reversed
their stance on using phones at work. Rather than continue to ban cell phones,
they encouraged employees to use their phones to check inventory. With their
new app, employees can simply scan barcodes to review inventory, other store
availability, or item prices. They can also search specific items to find their
location in the store. This same feature is now available to the customers,
reducing how often people need to ask employees for help.
This frees up
Walmart employees to do tasks that are less easily automated such as offering
customer service, speeding up checkout lines or keeping shelves well stocked.
For sales and marketing employees, automation reduces time spent responding to
individual customer actions such as sending out welcome emails for new accounts
or recommending upsell items.
Every industry
has been touched by advancements in automation. Where employees know how to
harness that power, they can be more efficient and effective. This requires a
cutting-edge education. Institutions such as University of Phoenix offer online
courses to students who need flexibility without sacrificing the quality of
their education. More universities have taken University of Phoenix’s lead and
begun offering online education options, helping businesses and their employees keep up
with the rise in automation and other technological advances.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix first opened in 1976 as a community brick-and
mortar university. In 1978, the University became the first to offer a full
online bachelor’s and master’s degree program. The school is well-known for its
online offerings and became accredited in 1989. University of Phoenix is
designed for underserved working adults who need flexibility and offers 50 different undergraduate degrees. The University awarded t over 24000 diplomas to
undergraduates in 2019.
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