Singapore-based employees are not too concerned that automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) will take over their jobs anytime soon, according to a survey. They, however, anticipate their companies will be increasing investment in these technologies over the next two years.
The survey, PERSOLKELLY 2019 Q4 APAC Workforce Insights, reveals Singapore-based employees view automation and AI favourably and expect it to become more common in the workplace. Two-fifths (41 per cent) believe their companies will continue to invest in automation or AI within the next two years, and that it will be directed towards IT (61 per cent) and operations (49 per cent).
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They welcome these new technologies, with more than half (57 per cent) agreeing that automation and AI are needed in their companies.
These new technologies are transforming businesses in Singapore and overall, most employees are satisfied with the automated processes (71 per cent) and AI programmes (66 per cent) that are currently present in their workplace.
“Organisations in Singapore are embracing automation and AI, with support from the government through the Smart Nation initiative. According to our report, organisations are implementing more of these new technologies across their businesses — from internal engagement to supply chain, resulting in a positive uplift in their businesses,” said Foo See Yang, Managing Director and Country Head, Singapore at Kelly Services.
A majority (62 per cent) of employees do not think that they will be displaced by these new technologies. Two-thirds (67 per cent) believe that less than 25 per cent of the workforce will be displaced by automation or AI. While 62 per cent say these new technologies are better than humans at simple tasks, only 35 per cent say they are better at complex decisions, giving humans the advantage.
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“Despite this integration with the workforce, Singapore-based employees are not too worried that it will replace their jobs as they see how these technologies can help them perform better at work. Rather, they are concerned about having to learn new skills to keep up in this digital economy. Therefore, not only do companies need to better integrate these technologies to realise its benefits, they need to ensure employees are exposed to and able to adopt new skills,” added See Yang.
Employers can also benefit from these overall positive sentiments. According to the report, employees who have access to automation or AI are more likely to be satisfied with their companies, as compared to those with no access to these technologies. More than half (57 per cent) of respondents believe that automation and AI are needed in their companies, and a similar proportion (55 per cent) of employees feel that it is worthwhile to be spending on automation and AI.
Additionally, close to half of the Singapore-based respondents (46 per cent) and more than a third (35 per cent) have indicated that the availability of automated processes and AI is important in their choice of company.
The presence of automation and AI in a company will result in increased employee satisfaction, but to ensure that employees remain happy, employers need to address any concerns that their workers may have. More than one-third (38 per cent) say automation and AI can perform their current jobs better than them and will take over their jobs in the future. Employers can alleviate these concerns and ensure higher levels of employee satisfaction through properly integrating their employees with automation and AI.
PERSOLKELLY (an HR solutions company based in Singapore) and Ipsos undertook quantitative research with hiring managers and candidates across the Asia Pacific in January-February 2019. The survey focused specifically on the impending increase in automation and AI in the workplace and the corresponding perceptions among the workforce. The survey also sought to understand how to best promote integration between human and machine in the near future. The data and insights are based on the responses of 7,277 hiring managers and candidates.
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