In the age of advanced technology, automation is becoming a linchpin in scaling production while simultaneously establishing the need to retrain your workforce so they can manage this technology effectively and efficiently.

Implementing automation is a powerful way to upskill your workforce, scale production and benefit your business by:

Introducing feasible work for older generations
Many workers are apprehensive of advanced automation solutions, believing businesses plan to reduce their workforce as a result — but this isn't necessarily the case. In fact, a 2020 report from the World Economic Forum found that 34% of businesses are actually planning to expand their workforce due to technology integration. It's essential for employees and organizations to keep in mind that automation can be advantageous to keep an older generation of workers around longer. For those in your workforce that are finding their job to be increasingly physically demanding, training them to manage your automated systems might be a suitable solution. Not only does this teach your older employees indispensable skills, but it also allows them to continue on with the company as your business scales.

Sanctioning employees operating multiple machines
According to a report from Camunda, 51% of automation initiatives are aimed at boosting efficiency. However, implementing these advanced solutions is only the first step. Your organization still requires skilled employees to oversee these processes to drive productivity and growth — which introduces the need to upskill workers effectively through proper training initiatives. As your workforce builds skills around automation and technology, they can ensure these procedures run smoothly while also allowing employees to operate multiple machines at once. This ensures your workforce can keep up with demand as your business scales.

Improving your long term retention
As your organization grows, employee retention will be vital. Proper training and development programs can be costly for businesses, but they are profitable in the long run as workers build skills and ultimately decide to stick around. This is especially true in terms of implementing automation and other new technology. It will be advantageous to retain talent that is skilled in operating the automation you've chosen to implement. The more comfortable they get with this technology, the more seamless their work and the business's production becomes. By leveraging automation to facilitate a better employee experience, and typically an improved customer experience as well, your business is likely to see high retention and loyalty rates — sustaining a profitable and successful business long term.

The global industrial automation market is expected to reach roughly $265 billion U.S. dollars in 2025, according to a report from Statista. This emphasizes an organization's need to take advantage of these solutions to improve adaptability, scale production and keep pace with competitors. And, along with automation comes the inevitable need to upskill your workforce. Luckily, employees highly value a chance to learn. As technology continues to evolve, worker experience in this area will be critical. Overall, leveraging automation will be a key element in reaping a host of benefits moving forward, including building your employee's skills and scaling production as your business grows.