Jason Spry, Portfolio Lead for Process Automation at Ricoh Europe, tells us how organisations can confidently implement the right technologies that support their employees and the wider business.
In today’s rapidly changing work environment, optimising the employee experience is becoming increasingly challenging. With the advent of new technologies, a diverse, multi-generational workforce, and on-going discussions around hybrid work, employees’ expectations are shifting.
While competitive salaries and perks once dominated, our recent research shows that automation technologies – like workflow management and digital archiving – are now key to employee satisfaction. A quarter of employees reported that having the right technology to streamline tasks would improve their job fulfilment, while 21% said access to better automation tools would make them less likely to consider leaving their current role in the next year.
As workplaces continue to evolve, it’s clear that businesses must address the growing demand for automation – or risk losing their top talent.
Strong demand for streamlining processes
Employees are becoming increasingly vocal in their desire to deploy automation technologies to abolish mundane and repetitive tasks. Such demands stem from a collective aspiration to free up time for more meaningful work that aligns with their personal goals and professional growth.
Concerningly, our research revealed that over half (59%) of European employees are currently bogged down by high administrative burdens.
While business leaders are fully aware of employee appetite for automation, the pace of applying such technologies remains slower than it should. In fact, almost a third (32%) of employees say they still don’t have access to process automation technologies, despite actively wanting them.
This gap is not just an IT issue; it’s a missed opportunity to empower staff to work smarter, not harder. When employees are trapped in a cycle of routine tasks, they can become easily disengaged, making it easier for competitors to attract them with more fulfilling work environments.
What’s more, a preoccupation with the mundane stifles employee’s potential for creativity and innovation, further undermining business growth.
Business leaders stalling
Despite the clear benefits, successfully implementing process automation is often easier said than done.
Many organisations have built up a tangled web of manual and semi-automated processes over the years, resulting in complex workflow that can be daunting to navigate and difficult to unpick. This intricate structure can create significant challenges and untangling these processes to introduce new automation technologies can feel like trying to rebuild an aircraft while it’s in flight.
It is therefore no surprise that almost a third (30%) of decision-makers say they need better guidance on how to integrate automation solutions without disrupting existing processes. For many, the fear of a botched project that could lead to downtime or operational issues looms large, making them hesitant to act.
Such anxiety can stem from a lack of understanding about the potential risks and rewards, as well as previous negative experiences with technology integrations that did not go as planned. For instance, over half of business leaders (55%) report that IT investments are often made in isolation, without full consideration of their impact.
But the reality is that delaying these investments will only hinder efforts to improve productivity and prompt employees to seek pastures new.
Tackling fears to unlock business potential
Whilst their hesitancy is understandable, business leaders must find a path to deploy process automation technologies. Simply put, embracing automation is no longer optional; it is essential for remaining competitive in today’s fast-paced business landscape.
Crucially, any automation strategy should be tailored to address specific needs, ensuring that solutions are aligned with actual business requirements and not just a generic fix. A one-size-fits-all approach can lead to wasted resources and ineffective outcomes.
Moreover, any automation strategy should involve employees and key stakeholders right from the start. Gathering their input helps alleviate fears and provides a sense of ownership over the changes, fostering a more collaborative environment.
Rather than rolling out a full-scale transformation in one go, businesses should begin by automating smaller, more manageable processes. Testing these in pilots can help build confidence, showcase tangible benefits, and smooth out any unforeseen issues before broader implementation. By demonstrating effective – albeit incremental – change, organisations can also garner further support for larger-scale initiatives.
Working with an experienced digital partner like Ricoh can help navigate the technical complexities to ensure that the transition is smooth, maintaining Business Continuity while empowering employees to perform at their best.
Embracing a transformative culture
Investing in process automation technology does more than just enhance productivity and employee satisfaction. It also demonstrates a commitment to cultivating a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability.
By staying responsive to employees’ technology needs and evolving workplace processes, you send a clear message to top talent that your company is ready to evolve, when necessary.
In the end, an organisation that embraces technology signals that it is prepared to lead with confidence and agility in a constantly shifting environment.
Adopting automation for a more fulfilled workforce
In an era of increasing employee apathy, process automation is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’; it’s a necessity for organisations that want to retain the best talent and gain a competitive advantage. This technology has the power to transform tedious routines into opportunities for creativity and growth, enabling employees to feel more fulfilled and motivated in their roles.
Ultimately, business decision-makers need to overcome their fear of the unknown. By ensuring they have the right team and digital partner in place, organisations can confidently implement the right technologies that support their employees and the wider business.
