Workflow process automation has become a driving force behind business transformation, revolutionizing how organizations operate, enhance efficiency, and adapt to the fast-paced digital age. One key result? A 64.6% increase in productivity over the last 40 years.

However, amidst the excitement and productivity gains of technological advancements, the human element in workflow process automation must not be overlooked or neglected. As you can see, the workforce (and work generally) hasn’t gone anywhere. So, let’s explore the critical role of humans in automation, the potential risks of neglecting this aspect, and strategies to ensure a smooth transition for your enterprise.

The Power of Humans in Automation

While automation streamlines processes and reduces manual intervention, humans bring a unique set of skills and qualities that are irreplaceable by machines. Creativity, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and adaptability are just a few of the essential traits that humans possess. These attributes allow humans to navigate complex situations, make nuanced decisions, and respond to unforeseen challenges that automation alone may struggle with.

In the context of workflow process automation, humans play pivotal roles in various areas. Here are a few key examples.

Decision-Making

Human judgment is crucial for handling exceptions, ambiguous situations, and cases that fall outside the predefined rules of automation. With the right analytics and reporting tools, automation can empower business leaders to make better decisions.

Creativity and Innovation

Humans drive innovation, constantly finding ways to improve processes and implement new ideas that automation may not be able to envision. For an important example, that’s why AI is leading the charge in new medical advancements.

Collaboration

Effective teamwork, communication, and collaboration are human strengths that foster better interaction within and across teams. This can be accomplished with synchronized platforms, secure and automated file sharing, and other tools.

Avoiding the Pitfall of Neglecting Humans

Amidst the zeal for process optimization and efficiency, organizations can inadvertently overlook the human element in automation. This neglect can lead to various challenges and missed opportunities:

• Resistance to Change: Employees might feel threatened by automation, fearing job displacement or uncertainty about their roles in the automated environment.
• Inefficient Adoption: Lack of proper training and preparation for the automated systems can result in reduced user adoption, leading to underutilization of the technology.
• Unforeseen Consequences: Automation may produce unintended outcomes if not thoroughly monitored or if human expertise is absent during critical decision-making processes.
• Loss of Human Connection: Customers often appreciate a personalized touch in their interactions with businesses. Over-reliance on automation may lead to a loss of human connection and diminish the customer experience.

Striking the Right Balance: Human-Centric Automation

To leverage the full potential of workflow process automation while preserving the human element, organizations must adopt a human-centric approach. This involves integrating automation technologies in a way that complements human skills and fosters collaboration between humans and machines.

Here are some strategies to achieve a balanced and harmonious coexistence:

• Identifying Human-Value Tasks: Identify tasks that require human creativity, empathy, and critical thinking. Focus on automating routine, repetitive tasks, freeing up human resources to concentrate on higher-value responsibilities.
• Engaging Employees in Automation Planning: Involve employees in the automation planning and implementation process. Seek their insights and feedback to understand how automation can best serve their needs and augment their abilities.
• Training and Upskilling: Invest in robust training programs to empower employees to operate alongside automation effectively. Upskilling and training employees to work in tandem with automated systems enhance their confidence and performance.
• Encouraging a Growth Mindset: Foster a culture that embraces change and encourages employees to adapt and learn new skills. Emphasize that automation is meant to enhance capabilities rather than replace human workers.
• Augmented Intelligence: Embrace the concept of augmented intelligence, where machines and humans work together to achieve superior outcomes. This approach combines the strengths of both parties, resulting in better decision-making and problem-solving across the board.

Nurturing the Human-Customer Connection

While automation can expedite processes and improve efficiency, it is essential to maintain a human connection with customers. Personalized interactions, empathy, and human touch in customer service contribute to a positive customer experience. By using automation to handle routine tasks, employees can devote more time to building and nurturing strong customer relationships.

Create Your Own Workflow Process Automation Today

Workflow process automation undoubtedly brings immense benefits, enabling organizations to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency and productivity. However, it is vital to recognize that the human element in automation remains a cornerstone of success. Neglecting the human side can lead to resistance, inefficiencies, and missed opportunities.

By adopting a human-centric approach, organizations can capitalize on the unique strengths of both humans and automation technologies. Striking the right balance between the two empowers employees, enhances customer experiences, and drives sustainable growth. 

Fortunately, with the right tools, you can add your own personal touch to your process automation. For that, try a demo of FlowWright’s customizable workflow automation system!