Introduction to Automation in the Workplace

Automation has become synonymous with a modern workplace. In fact, automation is changing the workplace at such a fast pace that many tech companies seem to have always been this way. You likely haven’t even realized how automated your workplace already is. Some of the types of automation designed to make your office and your job more efficient are very much already in place.

Key Facts About Workplace Automation

• It’s already here and getting results;

• There is more than enough for automation to do and keep adding to any business and any industry;

• Automation will not replace people, it will unburden your team of mundane and repetitive tasks;

• Workflows can be customized and adapted to your business needs.

Understanding Workplace Automation

The early goals of automation were to replace humans when it came to intense labor—to prevent injury and risk—but when it comes to the modern workplace, it is designed to offer relief as well. And the trend is certainly gaining momentum. Studies show that 90% of executives expect automation to improve their workforce over the next 3 years. So what’s got everyone all hyped up?

What is Workplace Automation?

The answer to 'what is workplace automation?' can help companies join the conversation about what to adopt and what they don’t need. In essence, it refers to the systems that allow you to complete predictable, repetitive, daily tasks without the need for constant human input. It’s when you use technology and specific software to improve productivity and efficiency allowing for a better and more fluid experience for your employees and your customers.

According to Gartner, 69% of day-to-day tasks will be entirely automated by 2024. This change doesn’t just happen overnight. Whether you’ve been using a CRM or applications and integrations to organize your leads, paperwork, training processes, etc., you’ve already started reaping the benefits. If you’re worried about automation taking over jobs, then you’re not alone. 31% of businesses are concerned with job loss. It’s a major point of focus for companies like Wrk to make sure that doesn't happen. This is not a replacement, it is an empowerment. Wrk automation can X3 your workforce, but it doesn’t aim to replace your current team.

Types of Automation That are Changing the Workplace

You can use several different approaches when it comes to automation. Robots, machinery, software, or even—like Wrk’s approach—a community of skilled workers helping in select tasks. But depending on your needs, industry, business size, and expertise, you might be incorporating different types of automation.

Working from home is another factor that has heavily leaned into automation and is a huge reason why entire companies have been able to make the WFH/remote adjustment. This year, more than 80% of business leaders reported accelerating their work process automation and scaling their use of remote work. Automation is here to stay.

Marketing Automation

With the goal of delivering the best customer experience, many companies look at automation as a vital part of their marketing strategies. With workplace automation, you can reduce the number of tedious and monotonous marketing-specific tasks. Imagine sending personalized emails, follow-ups, and updates to editorial and social media platforms automatically and without delay.

If you haven’t been a part of marketing automation as an employee, you’ve probably used it as a customer. Whenever you click "add to cart," receive a product update or even subscribe to a newsletter, all of that is marketing automation.

Marketing automation can help you increase customer loyalty and generate new leads. With Wrk, for example, you can set up a Lead Nurturing Wrkflow that is in charge of making sure your leads are receiving constant touch points and support, even when you’re unavailable. Now that’s 5-star service!

Sales & Prospecting Automation

When you use software to help your Sales team get their tasks done faster and more efficiently, you free up time for your team to nourish and develop relationships with clients and prospects. All while automation handles lead prospecting, deduplication of lead lists, and merging and connecting your client lists.

Lead Enrichment Wrkflows are where you really get a bang for your buck. The Wrkflow can help your Sales department create detailed and up-to-date profiles so a sales representative can adequately assess and qualify the lead. And if that task proves too time-consuming, you can also automate the qualifying process. guaranteeing that your team is only spending their time working on the personal touch with the customers and analyzing the best opportunities and approaches and NOT getting bogged down by extra paperwork.

Human Resources Automation

Just to show that there is zero desire to lose or overthrow the entire human element of the workplace, let’s take a look at the most human department in any company—HR. These automated steps are put in place to enable your HR department to quickly sort through job applications and records while putting most of your focus on retention and employee support.

To address the concern of job replacement, companies are looking into ways to redistribute almost 50% of their workers to roles that require their management, leadership, analytic abilities, and the