Changing behaviors and digital natives are transforming the future workplace, attitudes towards automation, and what employees expect of their employers. That’s according to results announced today from a new large-scale study of more than 34,000 consumers across 18 countries from Verint®, The Customer Engagement Company™.
The report – “Engagement in the Always-on Era: How Humans and Technology Work Hand-in-Hand to Meet Rising Expectations” – points to an increase in customer demand for ‘always-on’ service. It’s not only the expectations from consumers that are changing; the workforce also is shifting its attitude towards automation and artificial intelligence, and welcomes technology to help them in the workplace. The report finds that there is a correlation between the provision of technology with happiness, fulfilment and reduced stress at work.
Attitudes are shifting in support of automation in the workplace
Opinions on automation in the workplace have been divided for years. While previous studies showed reticence toward automation, Verint’s study shows that in 2019, people are becoming more accepting of automation and AI at work. It finds that 71% of people are in favor of using technology to replace manual and laborious tasks, and 69% believe that technology will enhance not replace their jobs. Almost two-thirds (64%) believe automation technology will help to reduce their workload and stress.
The study found a correlation between the provision of technology and happiness in the workplace, as well as reduced stress. More than three quarters (78%) are happy in their current workplace, but only 29% report to have low levels of stress. However, 72% of respondents who have low levels of stress at work said they had access to all the tools and technology they need.
A hybrid workforce is key to meeting customer service expectations
Findings from the report also point to an increase in consumer expectations for ‘always-on’ service and the need for organizations to rethink how they will meet these. Consumers are becoming more demanding of how they engage with organizations – 60% of consumers expect to be able to engage on any channel and at any time. In response, organizations must turn to automation to cope with this increased demand. However, the research finds that the key to meeting customer expectations is to achieve the right balance between human engagement channels and automated ones, such as chatbots or web-self-service. Half of consumers across the globe said they would engage less with brands that fully replace human engagement channels with digital alternatives.
“Organizations need to deploy technology that makes it easier for consumers to engage with them, but also to ease the burden on their workforce,” said Ryan Hollenbeck, senior vice president, global marketing and executive sponsor of the Verint Customer Experience Program. “The message from more than 34,000 people across the globe is clear – the fear around technology at work is subsiding. There is an increased understanding that automation can free up people to do more interesting and fulfilling work. Digital innovations such as AI, chatbots, and robots are vital for managing the increased levels of customer interactions and low-effort tasks, yet they cannot replace all human engagement. The research shows this is still very much a key element of customer engagement, and that consumers across all generations crave the human touch for certain interactions. Organizations must get this balance right to serve their customers and their employees optimally. They can only do this by engaging with their workforce in genuine dialogue about the use of technology and ensuring their employees feel valued for their contributions.”
Leading expert on generational theory and employability, Dr. Paul Redmond comments: “The importance of a consultative approach is underlined when you consider that for the first time in industrial history there are five generations together in the workplace. There is a delicate balance at play to ensure the entire workforce is reaping the benefits of technology. For example, the research shows that the majority (52%) of those under 35 feel that automation technology helps them work more effectively, compared to 35% of those over 35. Engagement is the only way to get the best out of the entire workforce.”
About the Research
This research was commissioned by Verint from 1st -11th of February in association with research company Opinium Research LLP. Interviews were conducted amongst 34,068 consumers in the following countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States. The research was conducted online in the local language for each country, and respondents were incentivized to participate. Sectors involved in the survey included banking, bricks-and-mortar retailers, credit card, insurance, mobile phone provider, online retailer, telecommunications, travel and utilities.
About Verint Systems Inc.
Verint® (Nasdaq: VRNT) is a global leader in Actionable Intelligence® solutions with a focus on customer engagement optimization and cyber intelligence. Today, over 10,000 organizations in more than 180 countries—including over 85 percent of the Fortune 100—count on intelligence from Verint solutions to make more informed, effective and timely decisions. Learn more about how we’re creating A Smarter World with Actionable Intelligence® at www.verint.com.