Michael Spataro is the chief customer officer at Legion Technologies, an innovator in workforce management (WFM).
Pop culture often depicts humanity and technology as adversaries, yet this couldn’t be further from reality. Technology has real power to help us be better humans—especially at work.
The ongoing impact of the pandemic and the current AI boom have sent workplace technology innovation to a fever pitch, with astronomical growth projected for the future. However, hourly workers remain underserved by said innovations. According to my company’s 2024 State of the Hourly Workforce report, fewer than 15% say their companies brought in new technology to increase productivity in the last year.
The survey also revealed that people deeply value the human aspects of their jobs: their co-workers, work-life balance and the enjoyment they derive from their work itself. But outdated processes and a lack of support are holding them back, leading them to become dissatisfied with their jobs. Many are considering quitting their industries altogether. It’s a trend we’ve seen year after year and, without proper intervention, it’s not going away any time soon.
To solve this, employers must implement new technologies as a remedy for workplace inefficiencies, so employees can focus on the things they love about their jobs.
How Technology Unlocks Humanity
Allowing human connection to flourish in the workplace is vital to business operations. Having strong bonds with one’s co-workers can result in better well-being and improved productivity. McKinsey also estimates that improved employee well-being could create up to $11.7 trillion in global economic value.
However, human connection can suffer when employees are bogged down with administrative tasks and unclear processes. If workers are spending all their time wrestling with inefficient tools, they won’t have the opportunity to bond with their teams.
With this in mind, employers must see new technology as an opportunity to invest in the human side of the work experience, too. When employees have the time and mental headspace to focus on the parts of the job they love—whether that’s interacting with customers or coaching their teammates—they’re often much more satisfied.
Why Flexibility Matters (And How Tech Enables It)
When I walk past retailers with “Now Hiring” signs in their windows, I often see flexible scheduling listed as a primary perk. But this is also a perk for the employer. People need adequate rest and personal fulfillment to bring their best selves to work, and that means they need the flexibility to balance their work schedules with their personal commitments.
Flexibility at work often correlates with improved mental health, autonomy and job satisfaction—all of which can drive greater productivity and business success.
However, inefficient tech often prevents employers from offering greater flexibility. For example, if managers are still using outdated methods of scheduling and handling shift changes, it will be more difficult for them to keep up with and accurately accommodate everyone’s needs.
The impact of technology on flexibility goes beyond just scheduling. The right technology in the workplace can make processes more efficient and free up time spent on tedious tasks, giving employees flexibility on the clock, as well. This flexibility allows them to focus on the more fulfilling tasks associated with their role, like training their teammates and working with customers.
In fact, with boosted human connection in the workplace, teams are 2.3 times more likely to have engaged employees and 3.2 times more likely to have satisfied customers—but they need the mental bandwidth to foster those connections in the first place.
Tackling Tech Challenges
Bringing new technology into the workplace isn’t without its challenges. In working with a global customer base, I’ve noticed five major snags that companies are hitting when rolling out workforce management software and other workplace technologies to their employees:
1. Lack Of Awareness And Low Adoption
Your company won’t reap the advantages of new workplace technology if employees aren’t using it. Clearly communicate to employees that this is an investment in their overall job experience, emphasizing how this technology benefits their well-being and desires for flexibility.
2. Improper Training
Even the most user-friendly of workplace technologies require adequate employee training to drive efficiencies. Encourage experienced employees and managers to be “ambassadors” for a new technology solution, serving as on-the-ground support for new team members and those who may be struggling.
3. Insufficient Support For Managers
Managers have an outsized impact on the hourly job experience, but they may need more from their employers to shift this impact in a positive direction, especially when it comes to bringing new tech into the workplace. Focus on bringing in tools that actually make managers’ lives easier, and make sure they understand the ROI.
4. Generational Divides
Today’s workforce is the most age-diverse in history. Differing motivations and priorities, further complicated by resistance to change, can cause rifts among employees and disagreements with their managers.
However, this is also an opportunity for employers to build bridges. Having discussions with employees and implementing solutions that work for everyone will help smooth over differences and create more cohesive teams.
5. Moving Too Fast
The latest advancements in AI are having an extraordinary impact on the hourly workforce. But don’t jump on the AI bandwagon without a plan.
Companies can reap the biggest benefit from AI where it addresses employees’ needs and concerns directly. Effective automation should relieve employees’ stress and free up valuable time, not give them something else to worry about.
Technology is not the antithesis of a more human hourly work experience, but its greatest enabler. Agile, people-driven technology strategies that prioritize AI and automation will result in a happier, more engaged hourly workforce.
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