Corporate culture needs to be prepared for automation

We already know that the integration of automated systems promises significant gains in efficiency and productivity. It is estimated that 80% of companies will adopt intelligent automation by 2025, according to research by Analytics Insight. But what is rarely discussed is that this process also brings challenges that need to be carefully managed. At the heart of this transition is corporate culture, an important factor that can determine the success or failure of automation within organizations.

Adopting automated technologies requires more than just implementing new systems and tools; it requires a fundamental shift in process-oriented thinking and a critique of existing processes within the organization. Companies that want to thrive in this new landscape must not only embrace automation, but also continually review and improve their processes, fostering adaptability, innovation, and continuous learning.

One of the first steps to preparing your corporate culture for automation is to communicate clearly and transparently about the upcoming changes. Resistance to change is a natural reaction among employees, especially when there are concerns about jobs being replaced by machines.

Leaders should address these concerns head-on, highlighting the benefits of automation, such as reducing repetitive tasks, increasing accuracy, and freeing up time for more strategic and creative work. Effective communication can help ease anxieties and build a shared vision for the company’s future.

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Furthermore, training and skills development are essential. Automation is not just about replacing human labor with machines, but also about reskilling employees to work alongside these new technologies. Continuous training programs should be implemented to ensure that the workforce is equipped with the skills needed to operate and collaborate with automated systems. This approach not only increases technical competence, but also fosters a culture of learning and adaptation.

Automation is also redefining leadership. Leaders must become enablers of change, fostering a culture of experimentation and innovation. This means encouraging calculated risk-taking and accepting failure as part of the learning process. Rather than sticking to traditional methods, leaders need to be willing to explore new approaches and embrace uncertainty. This mindset can be contagious, inspiring the entire organization to adopt a more proactive and innovative approach.

Another critical aspect is cross-functional collaboration. Automation often involves the integration of multiple functions and departments within a company. A corporate culture that encourages collaboration and breaks down organizational silos can facilitate the implementation of more effective automated solutions. This requires creating an environment where different teams can share knowledge, ideas, and best practices. Cross-departmental collaboration not only improves efficiency, but also fosters a sense of unity and common purpose.

Finally, continuous measurement and adaptation are essential. Automation is a dynamic field, with technologies and practices evolving rapidly. Companies must establish metrics to assess the impact of automation and be prepared to adjust their strategies as needed. This requires a corporate culture that values ​​feedback, ongoing evaluation, and a willingness to make iterative changes.

*Renan Salinas is CEO & Founder of Yank Solutions