Have you ever thought: “If I just didn’t have to spend so much time on (insert dull, routine tasks here), I’d have time to really excel at my job”? Soon, many of those mundane activities will become automated. Automation saves time, effort, and money. The ability to automate tasks and processes is increasingly important to businesses’ efficiency and competitiveness. Plus, with advances in technology, it’s becoming much easier to do so.

What does automation look like?

The level of automation varies, depending on technology and the complexity of the tasks. It could be as simple as setting automatic replies to emails, or as complex as programming robotic process automation software to analyze data. About half of the activities that workers do today have the potential to be automated. Current technologies are best suited for routine tasks that require little creativity or higher level thinking. These include physical labor, data processing, and data collection.

Who does it affect?

The first fully-automated businesses have emerged—businesses that have no human employees at all. Read more about these businesses here: https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/how-organizations-will-produce-in-an-autonomous-future/. While this isn’t possible for most companies, automation has affected or will affect most occupations and industries. Financial services, customer service, manufacturing, and health care will be particularly impacted. Employees at all levels, even at the highest levels, will see their jobs change due to automation.

In a recent focus group with executives from the financial industry in Kentucky, a debate broke out about the future of bank tellers. Some in the group felt the job would become fully automated; others saw an even more important role for tellers beyond automation. The Wall Street Journal frames the issue by identifying a trend in which some bank tellers are getting raises as they deal with higher level consumer issues. OceanFirst now has a “certified digital banker” course to help tellers become more comfortable with automation and prepare themselves to help customers address increasingly complex financial issues.

The idea that jobs will be replaced by automation has sparked fear. It is true that 15% of the global workforce could be displaced by 2030 due to automation. However, only about 5% of occupations could be fully automated with current technology. It is much more likely that certain tasks will become automated, freeing up workers’ time to be more creative and strategic. Less than half of all companies expect to decrease their workforces due to automation in the next five years. Furthermore, many new jobs and industries will be created, leading to labor demand growth of 21–33% of the workforce. The growth will presumably offset any jobs lost. Around 3% of the workforce will need to change their occupations by 2030 to fill the opportunities created by automation.

Benefits of automation

• Improved efficiency
• Reduction of errors
• Better understanding and use of data
• Reduced costs
• Ability to focus on higher level tasks, creativity, and innovation

Challenges to implementing automation

• Mastering the technology
• Retraining workforce
• Cost
• Integration with existing processes and systems
• Resistance to change

What should businesses do to prepare?

• Fully understand the processes that are being automated
• Involve everyone who will be affected
• Plan ahead
• Focus on biggest opportunities for ROI
• Consider security risks
• Stay dynamic and promote growth
• Invest in education, learning, and retraining employees
• Develop employees’ higher cognitive skills, social and emotional intelligence, and technological abilities

For more: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-work/ai-automation-and-the-future-of-work-ten-things-to-solve-for.

Classroom Implications

Students should understand the ways that jobs are going to change with widespread automation. This will help them focus on developing the skills that will become even more important in the workforce. These include creativity, interpersonal communication, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking—as well as the technological skills to work with automation.

Links for further learning:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2017/05/15/15-smart-tips-for-introducing-automation-to-your-business/#3c2f18e02c71

https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/digital-mckinsey/our-insights/four-fundamentals-of-workplace-automation

https://www.sage.com/en-gb/blog/ai-and-automation-business/

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/307286

Rusty Poeppelmeier, A Bond Manager with Liberty Mutual Surety in Cincinnati, Ohio shared the comments below in relation to this Action Brief. Do you have other thoughts, or questions for Rusty? Let us know—we’ll keep the conversation going!

Automation will continue to move into different areas of the economy.  It is important students understand it isn’t all bad.  Some areas of the economy have historical labor shortages that are ripe for the investment of more automation.  I have seen it move into areas such as a farming and customer service. 

There are other areas where automation may create significant cost savings that ultimately could be passed on to the consumer.  The more complex the task the longer it will take to implement but the payoffs could also be larger.  Picking fruit in a variety of conditions is going to be more challenging than painting the same object over and over again in a controlled environment.  

We also have a demographic issue with the baby boomers headed into retirement creating a labor shortage.  So there will likely be job opportunities in this area, as the need for this technology will increase during the coming years.  That said, there is a cost to implementing this technology and one of the items difficult to overcome is change.  It takes the average industry a long time to adapt and change partly due to the cost of development and implementation.  Sometimes implementation does not work out as planned.  Customer service being one example.  Some things are not quite ready for AI but with time and resources those challenges can be overcome. 

I think the biggest piece of advice I have would be don’t let the pursuit of automation or process efficiency undermine the success of whatever business you are in.  It is very easy to start down this path and compromise too much ultimately putting the business itself at risk.  Change is hard but blind change is deadly. 

A supposed great system with a dwindling customer base has the same probability of failure as a poorly managed business.  So don’t let the pursuit of automation or a “better” process cause you to lose sight of the business itself.  If it is truly a great idea, you won’t have to sell it.  People like to finish things and claim success but don’t be blind to the reality of the actual needs of your customers.  Remember, you need the customer, the customer doesn’t need you!

Have you heard the phrase “the Internet of Things” and wondered what exactly it meant? This term has grown increasingly popular in the last five years and is an important one to know. The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the digitalization and connectivity of any item or device. Your smart phone and laptop aren’t the only things that can connect to the Internet anymore. Anything from your refrigerator to your lightbulbs can be enabled with internet access and controlled wirelessly. These types of devices have been around for several years now: smart watches, at-home security systems controlled via app, and virtual assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Siri are now in millions of homes.

However, the future of IoT goes way beyond what we see today, and that future is coming soon. According to a HubSpot report, there will be 31 billion IoT devices in the world by the year 2020—more than four for every person on earth. Clearly, Internet-enabled devices are here to stay, and the possibilities are endless. Businesses that can capitalize on this trend will be better prepared for a future where everything is connected. IoT is already impacting business in several key areas.

Product development. Almost any business has the potential to add internet connectivity (and, therefore, interactivity) to its products. Appliances such washing machines and dryers, coffee machines, and cash registers are being programmed to sense and respond to the environment around them. Medical devices, factory equipment, and transportation are all areas that are delving into the realm of IoT as well. Businesses that are able to find creative ways to implement IoT into existing products will be a step ahead as consumers start to expect their devices to be “smart.” Technology from companies such as Arduino make it easy for anyone to add interactivity to existing products.

Production and inventory management. Manufacturing and inventory management are already incorporating IoT. For example, sensors on packaging automatically alert employees about changes in temperature, weight, condition, etc. Also, inventory tracking can be automated, which means that companies can more efficiently get products to consumers and keep track of shipments. Order fulfilment is another aspect of the IoT that will likely be prevalent in homes within the next couple of years. The Amazon Dash Button is a Wi-Fi-connected device that automatically reorders products such as soap, toilet paper, and plastic wrap with one press. As these devices become smarter, they will be able to automatically sense when a reorder is needed. Companies will need to have the ability to manage this type of instantaneous order fulfillment.

Data. Data generation is another aspect of IoT that has massive implications for business. Every device that is connected to the internet is constantly collecting data about usage and users. For example, if a washing machine can automatically sense that your family uses a load of detergent every two months, companies could use that to market detergents to you right as you run out, giving you a promotional discount right when you need it. This type of data increases the level of customizability of marketing campaigns and the ability to directly target customers. IoT will help companies get to know their customers better than ever.

Marketing. One example of IoT in marketing is in the retail space. Technology called “beacons” send notifications to shoppers based on their location. A shopper walking by a department store might receive a notification telling her/him that the store is having a 20% off sale this weekend. This can help improve sales and get customers through the doors.

Customer relationship management. The current state of customer relations is fairly passive—customers come to companies when they have a problem, and companies attempt to solve the issues. However, with the Internet of Things, companies will know when service is needed. They can reach out and solve the issue without customer involvement or action. This will build customers’ expectations that their needs will be fulfilled before they become aware of them.

Increased efficiency. The Internet of Things also offers companies improved internal efficiency in areas such as energy savings, employee effort, and productivity. Businesses can monitor processes and operations digitally, determining where productivity and costs can be made more efficient.

Need for employees. If the Internet of Things becomes as prevalent in the workplace as anticipated, most companies will likely see a need for fewer employees than they currently have. Many of the routine tasks completed by people will become automated. Meanwhile, employees who are skilled in IoT processes and knowledge will become more valuable.

Security concerns. The Internet of Things, with all of its benefits, also leaves us more vulnerable to hackers and malware. As the Internet of Things amasses more information about people and businesses, this information becomes vulnerable to hackers. It is important to consider the country (or countries) in which the product is made. Many supply chains are global, but regulations around technology are local. Products are often not made with security features in mind, which can save time and money. This past September, California enacted the United States’ first Internet of Things security law which mandates “reasonable” security features on “smart” devices.

Classroom Implications

Ask students what types of IoT devices they have in their homes. How have these devices changed the way they live, shop, or complete routine tasks? What IoT devices are used in school or in their workplaces? Use these questions to spark a discussion about the potential for new “smart” devices. Ask students to brainstorm products that they think could be effected by the Internet of Things within the next few years. Also, lead the class in a discussion about the ways that IoT can improve business operations and efficiency.

Links for further learning:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/michelleevans1/2017/01/24/5-ways-the-internet-of-things-will-influence-commerce/#76d6184f4a0f

https://www.kidscodecs.com/what-is-internet-of-things/

https://www.businessinsider.com/internet-of-things-definition

https://www.networkworld.com/article/3270961/internet-of-things/10-hot-iot-startups-to-watch.html

https://internetofthingsagenda.techtarget.com/definition/IoT-device

Many companies are struggling to sell material goods to customers—or even to attract their attention. Consumers have too much “stuff” already. The sheer amount of products (and advertisements) are hard to break through. It is difficult to reach customers through traditional media, especially when the product does not offer significant value. Customers can easily and cheaply obtain the material goods they need and want. Unless a company has the lowest price and the quickest delivery, they aren’t likely to be swayed based on the products alone.

So how do brands stand out? By providing a unique experience. Experiential marketing means immersing customers within the product and allowing them to form an emotional connection with the brand. It means selling more than a material item—instead, companies are offering memories.

Over 75% of millennials prefer to spend money on experiences rather than material things. But it’s not just millennials. In the past 10-15 years, consumer spending on cars and household goods has decreased, while spending on travel, recreation, and eating out has increased. Companies such as Airbnb have bloomed because of the desire to travel and experience the world.

Social media is a significant reason why experiences are so powerful. Studies show that consumers are much more likely to support brands that offer value—and they place a high value on unique, social media—worthy experiences. People seek ways to attract attention with aesthetically—pleasing snapshots of their lives. The desire to “keep up with the Joneses” hasn’t gone away. Instead of competing with neighbors’ cars and houses, though, consumers want to show that they are having the best time at the best places.

The companies that have excelled in this area have a unique combination of physical product, experience, and brand power. Consider Starbucks. When customers spend $5 on a cup of coffee, they are getting so much more: the warm, inviting atmosphere of the coffee shop, the iconic cup emblazoned with the logo, and the feeling they get when hundreds of people “like” the photos they post of their decadent drinks.

Steve Weaver, owner of The Candle Lab, who recently spoke to High School of Business educators and MBA Research staff, understands the value of marketing an experience rather than just a product. Steve knew that people wanted candles, but the market was saturated. He decided to do something that he hadn’t seen before—offer candle lovers the experience of making their own candles. Steve has achieved great success by giving people the opportunity to have an enjoyable night out—and take home a candle, too. To learn more about selling experiences and the future of marketing, join us at Conclave 2018 in Kansas City, MO, where Steve will be our closing keynote speaker.

FRANK (which stands for “frankly speaking”) is a new brand and concept of OCBC (Oversea—Chinese Banking Corporation) in Singapore. FRANK is geared toward providing members of Gen Y with positive banking experiences. The FRANK retail store is designed to provide fun and relaxing banking experiences for customers, including the option to design their own debit and credit cards. Customers who bring in three friends to open bank accounts win $50 worth of free Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. Thanks in part to tactics such as these, OCBC already owns 26% of the total youth market in Singapore.

What can companies do to provide more experienced-based interactions with customers?

• Figure out what sets them apart
• Use video to create experiential-value ads
• Engage brand ambassadors (influencers)
• Integrate existing products with experiences

Keep in mind that while it may take a number of positive experiences to build brand loyalty, it only takes one bad experience (in many instances) to lose a customer to a different brand.

Classroom Implications

Have students provide examples of experiences that they have bought into—and shared on social media. Ask them to share why they were motivated to spend money on the experience and whether they felt it was worth it.

Ask students to take an existing product and brainstorm ways that it could be combined with an experience to make it more valuable.

Learn more:

https://www.business.com/articles/the—modern—marketers—guide—to—selling—experiences/

http://fortune.com/2016/09/01/selling—experiences/

https://globaledge.msu.edu/blog/post/53437/millennials—and—the—business—of—selling—experiences—

http://blog.higherlogic.com/customers—buy—experiences—not—products

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/290848

The #MeToo movement is challenging social norms and making some companies pay attention to the real risks of sexual harassment and misconduct. The media have publicized the movement, helping it obtain attention and momentum. Their coverage has encouraged people to speak out about the way they have been treated. This highlights the rampant and unaddressed problems with workplace harassment.

Companies are increasing their harassment discussion and reporting. They are working to change their policies and codes of conduct to address these concerns. Required anti-harassment training is becoming more common, both at companies and from a legislative standpoint. Entrepreneurs are developing new businesses to facilitate better harassment reporting.

Unfortunately, some people believe that the movement’s impact has been minimal. This feeling is escalated by large companies protecting themselves financially and legally by settling or covering up harassment claims, thus leaving the perpetrators largely unscathed. A recent study found that only 18% of Americans have admitted to personally changing their behavior because of the movement.

Many female employees still feel powerless because things aren’t changing quickly—particularly in low-wage environments. Self-employed workers and employees in industries such as childcare, house cleaning, and food service feel that there is nothing they can do about harassment. Federal law only covers workplaces with 15 or more employees. Short statutes of limitations and caps on damages make women wonder whether the harassment-reporting process is worth it.

Others are struggling to clarify what constitutes assault and harassment. Some men feel uncertain when socializing with female coworkers, not knowing what is considered inappropriate.

Companies are also unclear as to what punishments should be for different types of misconduct. They recognize the need for well-defined antidiscrimination policies and procedures as well as for fostering a culture of civility and respect that helps to reduce harassment. Overall, the movement is still in its early stages with its full impact yet to be seen.

What employers can do going forward

• Work with HR professionals to create or tighten up anti-harassment policies which include an established reporting protocol for potential violations
• Provide regular, small group training for all employees about the policies which includes information for bystanders
• Set a company culture and tone of mutual respect and civility with zero-tolerance of harassment/discrimination
• Encourage employees to report violations and launch formal investigations when appropriate, according to policy
• Find advocates for employees who can separate themselves from the interests of the company
  
  

Classroom Implications

A study by the American Association of University Women found that 85% of girls and 76% of boys at the middle and high school levels have experienced some sort of sexual harassment. Talking with students about the negative effects of harassment, and promoting values centered around civility in school can help students begin to mirror the behavior that will be expected in the workplace. Teachers can use real-life scenarios and examples to help students determine what is appropriate behavior. To further the conversation, students could create a campaign to stop harassment at their school.

Discuss with students the impact of social/political movements: do they make a difference? What are worthy causes for students to take up? What are responsible ways for them to use their collective power? What are potential negative consequences of social/political movements?

Discussion Questions:

• Why do you think it is important to talk about sexual harassment?
• What are the consequences of sexual harassment?
• How do you think workplaces can try to stop harassment?
• What have you heard about the #MeToo movement? How are people around you talking about it?
• Do you think that movements such as the #MeToo movement can impact real change? Why or why not?
• What do you think constitutes the need to have a social/political movement?

Links for more:
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/25/learning/lesson-plans/the-reckoning-teaching-about-the-metoo-moment-and-sexual-harassment-with-resources-from-the-new-york-times.html
http://www.discoveryeducation.com/teachers/free-lesson-plans/sexual-harassment.cfm

One of our ExecNet members, Rusty Poeppelmeier, from Cincinnati, had this to say in response to this Action Brief:

Harassment and bullying have always been around. The only way to reduce and eliminate them is to talk about them and expose them so the social norms change to the point that people have to change. The same can be said for everything from civil rights to smoking. But talking about it is key because some people don’t recognize where the line is in their personal lives or the workplace. You have to talk about it to make the people responsible for their behavior feel uncomfortable for others to be educated. Shame is a powerful tool, but people need the opportunity and strength to talk, and others have to be willing to listen and act for real change to happen, otherwise, it becomes a partial measure that postpones the real discussion. Recent examples that come to mind are the #MeToo movement and the protests over confederate monuments and flags. Issues that could have been addressed decades ago.

Millennials have changed the optics as they are better positioned to challenge more of these behaviors. They have the support of a previous generation that has a history of challenging norms themselves. That bodes well for the future when it comes to advancing these issues and others. Maybe some believe the #MeToo movement has had minimal effect. I am certain it will have a profound impact on the future movements to come, as they will be able to more aggressively attack issues with the benefits of lessons learned from the movements that came before them. Once again, society marches forward regardless of rain, sleet, or Twitter.