Technological advancements and the creation of specialized machines through the decades have optimized many organizations’ business operations, as professionals can program high-tech machines and devices to perform jobs and duties usually completed by humans. For instance, widely used machines such as conveyor belts can enhance the productivity and time management of production centers and distribution facilities.
There are several ways conveyor belts improve business efficiency. These machines make the process of bringing raw materials into production facilities and distribution centers from freight delivery trucks faster, which is crucial, as the sooner workers unload raw materials into facilities, the sooner they can return to producing goods. Furthermore, conveyor belts significantly reduce the chances of workers getting injured while moving heavy products and packages. With their streamlining abilities, conveyor belts can ultimately help businesses remain productive and competitive.
While conveyor belts and other automated solutions can be beneficial to workers, many people have fears and concerns that human labor will eventually become obsolete due to automation and the utilization of artificial intelligence. Following the tips below can help laborers thrive in the era of automation.
1. Be adaptable to changes occurring in your workplace and industry.
Over time and with advancements in technology, robots and machines have become more mainstream. Different sectors are using machine learning and robust algorithms to create content and boost productivity.
Unfortunately, some jobs performed by human workers can disappear if machines and automated solutions can successfully replace people, a process referred to as job displacement. In these situations, one option for human laborers is to leave jobs and industries they feel are becoming increasingly obsolete. These workers could adapt and try finding roles in emerging fields. Many jobs in emerging industries tend to relate to the new technology and automation tools available. Depending on the industry and the technology used, technical solutions can ultimately create new jobs for workers. Some workers could thrive in the automation era by being adaptable and receiving sufficient training in utilizing the latest technology, enabling them to work successfully in newly created fields.
2. Sharpen your professional skills.
Being trained on how to use new technology and how to operate efficient machines relevant to one’s industry can be practical. Still, to be adaptable in a world where industries, automated solutions, and technology trends continuously change, it could be beneficial for laborers to sharpen the skills they already have while they learn new skills. While machines are useful and continually being improved, they still lack the creativity and problem-solving capacity of humans. For this reason, human workers should consider sharpening their skills and abilities such as decision-making, judgment, and persuasion, for instance, and other skills related to high-order cognition and emotional intelligence, as these skills can be useful in various jobs and industries.
Manual skills and trades are equally crucial to sharpen. For example, a laborer with the problem-solving abilities mentioned above, who can work with their hands and develop mechanical skills and customer service skills, could ultimately become a viable professional capable of performing different jobs in the automotive industry. Mechanically skilled individuals can obtain certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence that qualifies them for career opportunities in automotive repair as an automotive service technician or master mechanic, working in repair shops across the United States completing crucial tasks such as brake installation and electrical issue repairs.
While the economy and many industries rely on automation more now compared to the past—and this reliance is likely to grow in the future—there will still be a place for human laborers across existing industries. People should consider viewing technological advancements and automation as solutions that encourage jobs and industries to evolve instead of as job displacement catalysts.
