How to get your employees to accept robots as workers?

Employee resistance is possible when a company like yours initially tries to introduce robots into the workplace.

Some people might be concerned that robots would take over their jobs. Some people could be concerned that the technology won't perform as promised and that they'll have to spend extra time making it work. Additionally, some people can simply be fearful of utilizing any new technology due to their lack of technical proficiency. Businesses have always embraced new technology to boost production and efficiency.

In the past, and in certain cases even now, businesses have completely replaced workers with automation. People are now afraid for their future work as a result of this, which has caused job losses. In addition to how automation is portrayed in the media as a threat to jobs, it's no wonder some employees are hesitant to embrace their new robotic workmates with open arms. However, you can present robots in such a way that workers become enthusiastic about the opportunities the robot can offer them.

The current state of workplace robotic automation

Is the use of robots beneficial to employees is not a novel query. Since the 1950s, when the first robots entered automobile factories, the issue has been ongoing. Robots in the workplace are already evoking both excitement and worry as technology advances steadily.

Many people are hopeful about robots and automation, including business owners and employees alike. They are aware of the considerable benefits that robots can offer, from higher production to higher job satisfaction. However, some individuals are more worried about the robots. The most frequent response appears to be their mistrust of technology. When you are introducing robots as a solution to your employees, you need to take their concerns into account.

How robots can improve employee happiness and employment

The fact is that integrating robots is a smart choice for many businesses.

A 2021 research study found that rather than replacing human jobs, robots actually increase employment. According to the report, companies that implemented robots saw an overall increase in the number of employees hired and in productivity across the company, according to Canadian robotic arm endpoint manufacturer Robotiq. In contrast, firms that avoided automation lost productivity and were more likely to lay off employees due to a loss of competitiveness as well.

Robots have the potential to start a "virtuous cycle" whereby higher productivity spurs firm expansion, which ultimately necessitates the creation of more human jobs. When adding robots to the workplace, it's crucial to communicate this kind of value to your staff. After introducing robots, many employees find they are happier in their jobs as the robot has taken over the boring, repetitive, and dangerous tasks.

The advantages that robot workers provide for your staff

There are certain strong advantages you can emphasize when encouraging your workforce to accept robot labor.

You can emphasize the following advantages:

• Increased output and reliability – Robots are capable of carrying out jobs precisely and reliably. Employees can therefore devote their time and effort to harder, more interesting activities while spending less time fixing mistakes as a result.
• Less workplace accidents – Robots can carry out laborious, repetitive jobs that are dangerous for people. Your employees' quality of life may increase as a result.
• Improved customer experience – Robots can eliminate human error-related product faults, speed up shipping, and boost flexibility. As a result, personnel deal with fewer dissatisfied consumers, which can improve the customer experience.

Every worker will have various goals and preferences for their position. It's crucial that you comprehend which advantages will matter to each individual and highlight these when you present robotics as a solution. Address any concerns people have head-on and provide adequate training and support to help people adapt to the change.

There are five ways to ease employee worries about robot labor.

Your adoption of robots can be painless and advantageous for all parties if you take the necessary precautions.

You can address and calm employee worries about bringing robots into the workplace by following these 5 easy steps:

1. Make an effort to comprehend your employees' priorities. This is essential for properly presenting robots.

2. Describe the advantages of robotics for the business. Although you shouldn't focus on this exclusively, it's helpful to show people you have good reasons for adding robots — you're not just doing it on a whim.

3. Describe the advantages that are significant to your staff. For example, if they have voiced concerns about the lack of safety in your current manual palletizing task, mention this when you talk about the benefits of robot palletizing.

4. Share success stories of other teams that have adopted robots into their workplace. You can find success stories in our case study section.

5. Make employees active participants in the robot deployment. This is what the team at Usinatech did, which helped to make their machine tending robot deployment a great success.

How to convince your staff to use robot workforce

It can be difficult to introduce robotic automation into the workplace. However, if handled properly, your employees may view robots as a useful tool for enhancing their own work.

You and your team can make robots a success by emphasizing the advantages and directly addressing their concerns.