Scotland’s workers are optimistic about the opportunities technology will create in the future as over 90% believe it is changing their workplace and everyday lives for the better.
Findings from over 1,100 respondents from Scotland in the Hays What Workers Want 2019 Report reveal that professionals stand ready to embrace automation and are interested in using the latest digital technology both in everyday life (70%) and even more so in the workplace (80%). This is echoed by close to three-quarters (72%) of professionals who say they have an open mindset towards digital transformation.
Further, more than four in five (85%) of respondents are embracing automation in the workplace and almost all (92%) believe that it is changing their working lives for the better. Almost as many believe the same for their everyday lives (91%).
There are notable generational differences too as half (50%) of Generation Z consider themselves experts at using the latest digital technology in the workplace, compared to just 26% of Baby Boomers.
Akash Marwaha, Hays managing director, Hays Scotland, said: “Workers reported many differences in how their tasks have changed with the introduction of automation. Many say that administrative tasks have decreased, and analytical tasks have increased. But the overall sentiment is that, contrary to feeling threatened, automation offers more opportunities to add greater human value to an organisation. After all, there are many tasks that technology and automation cannot do as well as people.
“Successful implementation of automation requires a positive attitude and openness to change. It may mean giving up long-standing processes that have been embedded over many years, for new, untried ways of working. So while employers recognise the importance of working towards an open culture, adequate guiding and training and better clarity on the benefits of automation will ensure employees stay optimistic about increasing automation in the workplace.”