The automation checklist
- Define your objectives
- Assess current workflows
- Evaluate tech capabilities
- Determine a budget and ROI expectations
- Assess the workforce impact
- Review security protocols
- Build a change management plan
The automation revolution is here and it’s shaking up the way that Australians do business.
It’s predicted that almost 10% of Australian jobs will be automated by 2027. But don’t be alarmed, this doesn’t mean the number of jobs will decline, it means there will be a shift in the types of jobs that are needed.
With AI and automation becoming essential tools for people across all industries, it’s never been more important for business leaders to understand the opportunities, the challenges and the strategic ways to adapt.
According to new Robert Half data, 96% of businesses plan to automate processes in the next 12 months. They’re also ready to request that their employees change roles and/or learn new skills*.
As a business leader, you’d be all too aware that changes of this magnitude come with a level of stress. Like other managers, you may be grappling with fears about upfront costs and ROI, employee pushback and ethical concerns like layoffs and social responsibility.
If you’re wondering whether automation can drive efficiency while keeping a human workforce engaged, let us guide you through the key considerations you should evaluate.
Join us as we help turn your fears into constructive actions – we’ll explore the common concerns around workforce change as well as the practical insights to help you optimise your automation implementation.
Automation in business – the current landscape
According to Nicole Gorton, Director at Robert Half, there are widespread concerns around automation and its impact on employment.
She says, “Although we know that automation can improve efficiency, reduce costs and reshape workforce needs, there is real concern about the threat it poses to job security.”
“It’s important for small business owners, corporate leaders and HR professionals to be mindful of misconceptions so they can reassure their teams. Automation doesn’t necessarily mean layoffs!”
“Businesses face complex issues - from high operational costs to low productivity, labour shortages to high turnover rates. Automation can provide a scalable solution to all of these problems (and more) – business leaders must know how to use it (and use it wisely),” she says.
A host of industries are already benefitting from automation and research predicts that Australian organisations are set to receive AU$91.8 billion in productivity gains and savings.
That said, who will feel the force of automation most?
Well, research reveals that by 2027, roles with high levels of repetitive and technical tasks will be most impacted. And while we don’t have a crystal ball to say exactly how this will pan out, removing repetitive tasks will allow people in these roles to focus on elements that are more strategic, innovative and ‘human-centric’, improving the speed and quality in which work is done overall.
The Human Impact: Workforce concerns & ethical considerations
Are you concerned about the impact of automation on jobs?
Are you worried about employee pushback?
Robert Half’s research shows that employee sentiment around automation is improving. When professionals were asked how automation will impact their current job and career prospects, 63% cited a positive impact. The same cohort believed it would create more demand for their skills and career outlook*.
11% believed it would have a negative impact, potentially making their skills and role obsolete*.
26% believed it would have no impact*.
Although this data is promising, Nicole warns business leaders not to be complacent when it comes to automation and its impact on employment.
“While some professionals are learning to embrace automation, others are wary,” she says.
“Some view the rise of automation as a battle of ‘humans vs machines’ – they have a genuine fear of job displacement and ethical implications. The challenge for business leaders is ensuring a smooth transition and investing in ways to empower employees rather than to replace them.”
On the same token, 49% of businesses plan to automate processes and reskill/upskill employees in the next 12 months*.
Nicole says tactical implementation is the key to unlocking automation’s huge economic and productivity gains.
“As business leaders, there is a huge need to upskill and reskill employees to reap the benefits of automation. While some specific roles and industries are set to change, even jobs that aren't fully automated will likely be transformed by integrating AI into work as technology takes on more tasks.”
She says, “Organisations that prioritise training, testing and transparency will be the ones that thrive in the evolving automation era.”
Practcal Strategies for Business Leaders
How would your employees react to your automation implementation efforts?
A recent Robert Half study has revealed some key insights*.
Respondents were asked, ‘If your job became (partially) automated today and your employer asked you to change roles and learn new skills, which of the following would you do?’
The results showed that:
60% would participate in training to reskill into the new role with their current employer.
19% would look for a new job with a different employer.
14% would look for a different job with their current employer. And,
8% are unsure.
Nicole says the secret to success is a considered approach.
She says, “When it comes to automation implementation It can be hard to know where to begin. Many leaders are intimidated about striking the right balance between efficiency and employee well-being, cost saving and competitor activity. A thoughtful strategy should enhance business efficiency and empower your employees – it will pay dividends in the long run.”
Ready to scale your business effectively and spend your automation budget wisely? Consider these three strategies:
Start small
Test automation in non-disruptive areas such as customer service chatbots or inventory management.
These low-risk applications will allow you to gauge automation’s impact without overhauling critical operations.
Invest in upskilling and reskilling
Show your employees that automation won’t replace their role – it will transform it.
Investing in employee training programs will help to empower employees to adapt to new technologies and continue contributing to business success.
Prioritise transparent communication
It’s natural for employees to have some reservations about automation.
Keeping your team informed and involved during the transitions will help to foster trust and minimise resistance.
Nicole says, “Don’t discount the power of open dialogue – it goes a long way in helping your employees to view automation as an opportunity rather than a threat.”
Overcoming barriers to automation adoption
While automation implementation serves to reduce operational costs, boost productivity and address skills shortages, the reality is, there are often barriers to its adoption.
Like other business leaders, you may grapple with common concerns around cost, complexity and employee resistance (especially from those who worry about automation and its impact on employment).
Nicole says, “Like many things in life, change can be hard for people to process. Trust me when I say, automation is a game-changer in business. Of course, it will bring shifts in the organisation but it also creates new opportunities for innovation and growth. Companies that strategically embrace it are the ones who will be poised for long-term success.”
Nicole encourages business leaders to carve out time for research before automation implementation.
“One of the wisest things you can do is look at what your competitors are doing in the automation space. Don’t stop there – take a look at other industry leaders as well as any case studies that could inspire your automation tactics,” she says.
While automation can offer considerable benefits for your business, it’s important to evaluate your organisation’s readiness.
Looking to facilitate a smooth transition? Use the checklist below to determine if your organisation is truly prepared.
Define your objectives – Be clear on your goals and the specific processes that would benefit from automation.
Assess current workflows – Identify any inefficiencies as well as key automation areas (i.e. structured, repeatable tasks).
Evaluate tech capabilities – Ensure you have the necessary infrastructure to support automation tools without disruptions.
Determine a budget and ROI expectations – Calculate the costs and clarify the short-term and long-term financial implications.
Assess the workforce impact – Consider what is needed for a successful transition (i.e. role changes, reskilling opportunities and redeployment).
Review security protocols – Ensure your data security and compliance measures can support automation initiatives.
Build a change management plan – Drive adoption with a clear strategy and open communication.
Bill Gates once said, “Automation applied to an inefficient operation will magnify the inefficiency.” While automation is changing the way we do business, it isn’t a fail-safe solution (especially if your organisation isn’t prepared). Successful automation implementation demands a strategic, considered and ethical approach - one that seeks to minimise the impact of automation on jobs. Remember, balance is the key to enhancing human jobs rather than replacing them.
Ready to explore automation for your business and what talent you need? Get in touch with us today.
*The data presented is derived from an online survey conducted by an independent research firm commissioned by Robert Half in November 2024. The survey gathered responses from 500 hiring managers and 1,000 full-time office workers in finance, accounting, business support, and IT and technology. Respondents are drawn from a sample of SMEs to large private, publicly-listed and public sector organisations across Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the impact of automation on employment?
Successful automation implementation demands a strategic, considered and ethical approach - one that seeks to minimise the impact of automation on jobs.
Balance is the key to enhancing human jobs rather than replacing them.
What is an impact of automation?
Automation can offer considerable benefits for your business.
Like many leaders, you might be facing complex issues like high operational costs, low productivity, labour shortages or high turnover rates. Automation can provide a scalable solution to all of these problems (and more) so long as you know how to use it (and use it wisely).
Of course, it will bring shifts in the organisation but it also creates new opportunities for innovation and growth.
It’s important to remember that automation isn’t a fail-safe solution (especially if your organisation isn’t prepared).
How does automation help in the workplace?
Automation can improve efficiency, reduce costs and reshape workforce needs.
That said, it’s important to evaluate your organisation’s readiness to facilitate a smooth transition.
What do workers think about automation skills and the future of work?
Robert Half’s research shows that employee sentiment around automation is improving.
When professionals were asked how automation will impact their current job and career prospects, 63% cited a positive impact. The same cohort believed it would create more demand for their skills and career outlook*.
11% believed it would have a negative impact, potentially making their skills and role obsolete*.
26% believed it would have no impact*.
