Is it possible to strengthen bonds with colleagues during times of excessive work?
Fostering collaboration in the workplace through automation with artificial intelligence.
Remote work, which used to be an exception for a few, has become a common reality for many employees across various industries thanks to the adoption of hybrid or remote models. However, despite the advantages that technology offers to facilitate remote work, employees experience a disconnection from their coworkers. This feeling of disconnection does not seem to be solely due to physical distance, but to other factors.
Recently, research has revealed that only 26% of workers in the UK find it more difficult to connect with their colleagues virtually. Even fewer claimed that the lack of physical contact hinders their ability to collaborate. The data suggests that physical location has a reduced impact on coworker connectivity, with the true cause of disconnection being an overload of work. Employees feel that there is too much to do and not enough time to accomplish it.
This excess workload, particularly repetitive administrative tasks such as managing internal emails and taking notes, consumes the time that employees could otherwise dedicate to strengthening work relationships. The research indicated that nearly half of workers in the UK would need an additional 30 to 60 minutes each day for team-building activities that help them connect with their colleagues. Companies currently face the challenge of optimizing available time without sacrificing employee engagement, which could influence the long-term success of their teams.
The implementation of automation can be an effective solution to improve connections among teams. By adopting automation technology, organizations not only achieve greater efficiency in repetitive tasks but also allow their workers to free themselves from these burdens. Automation provides a mental space that enables employees to reflect on their professional goals, seek improvements within the company, and prepare for future challenges. By shifting from a task-centered approach to a value-driven one, organizations can foster a sense of collective empowerment that benefits all levels of the company.
Despite the doubts that may arise about automation, employee feedback is mostly positive. A high percentage of workers in the UK recognize the productivity benefits that automation brings, as well as an improvement in the quality of their work. More than 80% believe that automation could help free up time for more complex tasks, and 85% see it as part of the solution to increase productivity.
By adopting automation, companies have the opportunity to invest in human relationships, which not only improves efficiency but also contributes to creating a better work environment. A strong and satisfied team generates a chain of well-being that translates into happy customers, benefiting all parties involved.
As organizations continue to define their future work environments, it is crucial that they consider how to foster an atmosphere that promotes creativity and collaboration. Recognizing automation as a pathway to enhance work, well-being, and workplace culture is essential for the success of businesses, regardless of their size or sector. Leaders have the opportunity to invest significant resources in their workers to promote a sense of belonging and connection.
