These Professionals Are Excited About the Rise of Workplace Robots A recent study reveals how new technologies can boost employee productivity.

By Rose Leadem

Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences contributors are their own.

monstArrr_ | Getty Images

While many people fear that the rise of robots will impact their jobs, HR professionals think advances in robotics and automation technology will actually be beneficial to employees and companies.

A recent study, "Workplace of the Future," conducted by research firm Future Workplace and tech company Konica Minolta, surveyed 619 human resource professionals. Most agreed that automation technologies will increase employee productivity, engagement and collaboration.

Related: 3 Reasons HR Needs to Be Involved in Planning a Business's Strategy

Not only that, but these professionals believe that smart tech will improv HR processes and provide for better communication around the office. Whether at a large corporation or a small startup, HR professionals say there are a number of benefits for companies creating "smart offices."

Increased productivity

Over three-quarters of human resource respondents agreed that work is not where you are, but rather what you get done. To boost productivity and help employees get more done, HR professionals believe installing automation and smart technology can help. In fact, 41 percent consider that outcome to be the most worthy of investing in new technology.

Streamlined HR processes

Over a third of surveyed HR professionals say that custom mobile apps will help them develop more efficient HR practices, and one-third have already started using them.

Often in small businesses, a human resource department is not a priority. Being able to incorporate mobile tools can strengthen a small business's human resources to make up for any shortcomings in that area.

A way to attract talent and improve operations

From creating a state-of-the-art office to seeking tools that support growth, a company's reason for investing in smart technology varies. Overall, 39 percent of surveyed HR professionals say their motivation to invest in high-tech is to attract top talent and improve business operations.

Related: 9 Business Tools for Working Smarter Instead of Harder

Small businesses that employ smart technology will not only make themselves more attractive to prospective recruits, but will help to assist their human resources and business processes. These technologies let them compete at the same level of bigger companies in the industry when it comes to appealing to top talent.

Better communication

Although a majority of HR professionals say their companies already employ video conferencing and conference room booking software, 22 percent of respondents admit that more advanced video conferencing tools would be beneficial both internally and externally. They also admit that tools for wireless streaming (23 percent) would also have a positive potential impact on the productivity of employees.

Reduced costs

Although upfront costs on new smart technologies can often be high, they reap many benefits. Forty-two percent of HR professionals find that automation will result in at least a 10 percent reduction in required headcount over the next three years. In turn, that means a lot less work for human resources and hiring departments.

Rose Leadem is a freelance writer for BIZ Experiences.com. 

Want to be an BIZ Experiences Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Growing a Business

Forget Investors and Co-Founders — Here's How I Built a Lean, Scalable Business on My Terms

You don't need a partner or investors to build something that lasts. You need vision, systems and the guts to go all in on yourself. Here's how I built alone — and why I still would, even now.

Side Hustle

This 26-Year-Old's Side Hustle Turned Full-Time Business Led to $100,000 in 2.5 Months and Is On Track for $2.5 Million in 2025

Ross Friedman's successful venture started with a "Teen Night" in Boston, Massachusetts.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for BIZ Experiencess to pursue in 2025.

Business News

How Much Does Apple Pay Its Employees? Here Are the Exact Salaries of Staff Jobs, Including Developers, Engineers, and Consultants.

New federal filings submitted by Apple reveal how much the tech giant pays its employees for a variety of roles.

Business News

Here's Why Meta's Earnings Were Better-Than-Expected, According to CEO Mark Zuckerberg

Meta stock reached a record high after the tech giant reported its second-quarter earnings on Wednesday.

Marketing

AI Won't Replace Marketers — But It Will Replace Lazy Ones Unless You Learn to Use It Strategically

Most marketers are using AI wrong — and it's not just wasting time, it's exposing who actually knows how to do the job.