The Human Touch: A People-First Approach to The Future of Work

For a very long time, people have been the driving force of successful organizations. However, digital technology has been driving organizational change, and automation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotic assistants are taking center stage.?

While these technologies have redefined how we operate in the workplace and significantly improved efficiency and productivity, how do they impact the people interacting with them daily?

Research shows that many companies have lost touch with the human element in their bid to incorporate the latest technologies into their workflows. I find this both disappointing and a cause for concern.?

Work is an important part of people’s lives; most of us spend about a third of our lifetime working. Overemphasizing technological advancements at the expense of people affects their engagement at work, quality of life, and an organization’s competitive edge.

I believe effective digital transformation rides squarely on peoples’? shoulders, so, in this piece, I’ll explore the dilemma of employee experience and satisfaction in the wake of digital transformation and how we can all humanize our approach to work and drive business success.

The Dilemma: Digital Transformation As An Existential Threat to People at Work

Digital transformation is threatening to change work completely, and not everyone is excited about the disruption. Developments like robots and AI are making many employees uneasy about the future of work.

Here is why:

• Increased Job Insecurity: There is so much anxiety in the workplace about job security because of increased automation and talks of AI replacing people. This fear has made many employees stressed and disengaged.
• Widened Skill Gaps: With new technology, old skills are being phased out and the skill gap is widening daily. Acquiring new skills to match this transition can be overwhelming to many employees.
• Emphasis On Efficiency Over Well-Being: In other cases, employees are pressured to meet the same efficiency levels as AI. Prioritizing fast turnaround times and output over employee well-being can lead to burnout and demoralization.

Balancing Humanity and Technology for a Sustainable Future of Work

The fact of the matter is - technology isn’t going anywhere. AI and automation will change jobs, not replace people. The first step we must take is to strike a balance between being digital and people-centric; by viewing technology as a tool for augmenting human capabilities and not the replacement for human labor.?

We need to shift our mindsets to find this balance because it’s important to stay relevant and competitive. Many people are hesitant to use AI technology, even in departments like HR. However, I believe that embracing AI does not make you any less valuable to your company. When used strategically, it might even play a role in enhancing your value!?

Use technology to automate repetitive and mundane tasks and let people work on tasks that require creativity, empathy, critical thinking, and innovation. This will empower your workforce to be efficient and your company to accomplish more.?

Making Work Human

Making work human is the only way we can resolve this dilemma between the place of people at work and digital technologies. Today employees are no longer exchanging their expertise for monetary return only; they’re also keen on your human-centric value proposition. Gartner reports that 82% of employees said it’s important that companies view them as people and not just employees. ? This means recognizing them as more than just cogs in a wheel of work and prioritizing their needs, well-being, and potential.?

So, how do you go about being human-centric?

1. Acknowledge Humanity Before the Job Title: Making work people-centric begins with treating every employee as human and not just a summation of their job title. It means valuing everyone’s individuality, showing empathy and support, and being kind to everyone.
2. Promote Continuous Learning and Development: One of the most effective ways of prioritizing people during this transformation is empowering them to learn, grow, and take ownership of their roles. As technology advances, the skills necessary to navigate the digital divide also change, and it becomes essential to upskill and reskill.? Train your employees on how to use new technology and provide them with opportunities for skill development and further education. This alleviates their anxiety about being replaced, improves their capacity to work, and restores their confidence in their value at work.
3. Strengthen Open and Transparent Communication, and Feedback: You can’t meet your employees' needs without communicating with them. It’s very important to establish a culture of transparency where you share valuable information with your employees and receive genuine feedback from them. This builds trust and makes them feel valued.
4. Promote Work-Life Balance: Employee well-being is non-negotiable! In the wake of digital transformation, efficiency can be overemphasized, leading to negative impacts such as burnout and mental health issues. You need to encourage your employees to prioritize their well-being and implement policies that promote healthy working, such as flexibility and emphasis on productivity over hours worked.? Also, recognize that employees have lives outside of work and sometimes the pressures of life outside can spill over to work. Help them balance their work and personal life in a healthy way by equipping them with separate work devices.? It also goes a long way to respect their working hours, especially if you’re working in settings with different time zones, and provide family support where necessary.
5. Establish a Culture of Human Connection: Instead of technology being the divisive element driving isolation, you can use it to strengthen human interaction. Invest in digital tools that enhance communication and collaboration. This fosters human connection, especially if you’re working remotely.? Encourage teamwork and actively involve employees in key conversations and decision processes. This will make them feel valued, boosting their engagement and morale.?

In conclusion, successful digital transformation is anchored on a company’s people and culture. Leverage the collaborative intelligence of a people-first and technology-forward culture to thrive and innovate into the future.

Strengthen your human approach to work with Morales HR. We are an organization dedicated to connecting people to opportunities, and we’ve established a robust community of cross-industry professionals for your projects and initiatives. Whether you’re looking for full-time or project-based expertise, our pool of experts has got you covered.

Don’t let talent gaps stand in the way of your company's success. Partner with us and find the perfect hires for all your talent needs!

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