Business

Employers keen to embrace automation - but skills needed to benefit from technology

Some 61 per cent of employers in Northern Ireland say their organisation is investing in, or planning to invest in, automation
Some 61 per cent of employers in Northern Ireland say their organisation is investing in, or planning to invest in, automation Some 61 per cent of employers in Northern Ireland say their organisation is investing in, or planning to invest in, automation

TWO thirds of employers in Northern Ireland are investing in automation to improve productivity in their workplaces, but most admit they are lacking the skills needed to get the full benefits from new technology, according to a new survey.

Recruiting experts Hays surveyed more than 14,500 respondents (including 500 in Northern Ireland) for its 2019 'What Workers Want' report, which found that despite clear evidence of investment in digital transformation and automation, employers are struggling to find the right blend of technical and soft skills to support implementation.

Among local employers, 69 per cent said digital transformation was a key priority for their organisation, 61 per cent said they are already investing in or plan to invest in automation, and 48 per cent believe this investment in technology will allow employees to add greater human value to their organisation.

But while there is enthusiasm for digital change, 56 per cent of all employers expect a lack of skills among their current staff to be a barrier to implementing new technology and 33 per cent said they are experiencing moderate to severe skills shortages when trying to hire people who have the right skills. Only seven per cent of organisations said they had access to all the skills needed to make best use of automation technology.

Close to half (of the firms who recognised skills gaps in their businesses said they were missing both technical and soft skills.

The biggest technical skills gaps within existing teams were reported in project (56 per cent) and change management (59 per cent), followed by analytics (56 per cent). When looking at soft skills, the top gaps within existing teams for employers are critical thinking and people management (both 61 per cent), followed closely by problem-solving (58 per cent).

John Moore, managing director of Hays in Northern Ireland, said: “It's encouraging that employers are taking the chance to invest in automation and also that workers believe automation will let people contribute more of their human value to an organisation and are open to change. But it is also a concern that employers currently lack access to the right skills to make the best use of this technology.

“To overcome skills shortages employers need to adapt their recruitment strategies to focus not only on technical skills and qualifications but also hiring professionals who have the right soft skills and open mindset needed to make automation and digital transformation a success. Soft skills to look out for include critical thinking, communication and emotional intelligence.

“Employers need to consider different recruitment channels and techniques they can utilise to engage with the right professionals, and ensure they are promoting their investment in automation, which appeals to candidates.”