In Roald Dahl’s delightful book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Charlie’s – the protagonist’s – father loses his job (of adding lids to toothpaste tubes) when the owner brings in machines to do the job. The workers are asked to leave and their lives plunge into poverty.
And that’s the general perception around automation – that it impoverishes workers, benefits businesses and takes away jobs. The truth, however, is not that straightforward.
Historically automation has had mixed receptions – depending on which side of the fence the people are on. Businesses have traditionally welcomed it. Workers have not. Today, as COVID accelerates automation, the debate has rekindled – will automation take away more jobs that it will create.
The answer is a complicated one. Automation will (already has) definitely take away jobs, especially the laborious, repetitive ones which employ millions of workers across sectors – think tollbooth operations, manufacturing units, cleaning, nursing, and even office jobs such as administrative support workers, telemarketers and insurance claims – it’s all being automated as we speak. But, that’s not all. While traditionally automation replaced jobs of lower skilled workers, now its making inroads into areas that were thought of as automation-proof, so to speak.
Microsoft’s move to fire dozens of journalists recently is a case in point. It let go of people responsible for curating and editing articles for the MSN website. The plan is to replace them with automated systems that will curate and select news stories. So yes, it’s not about a certain income group anymore – though the lower income earners may still be the worst impacted.
And here’s the interesting point – although Microsoft said that there was no connection between its decision to let go of its people and COVID, the fact that it happened after the pandemic hit was not a coincidence. True, that the change may have been coning anyway, but COVID definitely accelerated it.
And that’s the point – automation has been accelerated exponentially
Which brings us to the next point – what’s been automated, will stay automated, even post pandemic. As work from home becomes the new normal, some jobs will be created and some will be lost. Businesses that are reaping the benefits of automation are not likely to see this change as temporary.
As COVID pushes economies s around the world into recessions, automation is emerging as a top favourite in the future of work. Companies in India like Mahindra, Toyota and Tata Steel have already made plans to automate in the future.
One of the most pressing reasons as to why the world continues to struggle with the virus is because no one was prepared. Going forward, all businesses as well as state governments will make ensure they have crisis management toolkits in place. And a key part of this toolkit will be the resources to carry out work and life in the case people cannot physically be present. Automation will have a big role to play here Experts argue that with social distancing directives (which may continue after COVID is gone) will call for automating work, in order to maintain safety of workers and consumers both.
Some worse than the others
A report published by George Washington University names a few sectors which are especially impacted by the virus and are “at-risk” for automation. Close to 73% roles in the food industry, 44% of wholesale trade and 36% in healthcare and other human services. Further in this article, we’ve explored how some industries that were at the frontline of the pandemic accelerated automation during COVID to stay in the game and secure future of business.
Healthcare
Undoubtedly, the most important (and impacted) sector at this time, healthcare is where the need for accelerating automation is the maximum. It’s been directly impacted and has had to innovate on its feet. .
Robots, for instance, are proving to be of great use for nursing tasks. Jincy Jerry, an Assistant Director of Nursing in the Infection Prevention and Control Department at Mater Misericordiae University Hospital in Dublin,told UiPath – a robotic process automation platform – that
“Given that IPC nurses spend close to 30% of their day with administrative tasks, for the past few months I have been looking at ways to make software robots part of our daily jobs”.
Technological developments like Artificial Intelligence, thus, have a key role to play in the healthcare industry. From image diagnosis to nurse robots – there’s vast potential, and the need has never been felt more than now to have more hands-on deck – preferably non human. The applications also go beyond the hospital and help in national security and safety of citizens. China is an example of how technology and automation are a valuable crisis management tools. During the outbreak in their region, they used big data and AI to map cases and support healthcare facilities – an example that illustrates the importance automation in the healthcare industry, triggered by the current crisis. India, not lagging behind, also developed an open-source digital service called the Aarogya Setu App to facilitate contact tracing.
Healthcare, however, is only the starting point. . The tremors of accelerating automation will soon be felt in other sectors of the economy. Especially in other key sectors that were at the frontline of this pandemic – grocery and retail, travel and education. But the solution is not so direct and neither is automation simple, or cheap. Solutions are complex and work under a variety of social and political influences.
Retail and Grocery
Probably for the first time ever, retail and grocery workers are being looked at with a different, warrior-kind of respect. These workers have been at the frontlines, providing essential items to the population while constantly putting themselves at risk. COVID-19 led to a spike in online sales of grocery and other retail items, as people stayed locked in and increasingly turned to online services for their need. This unprecedented demand was not something retail stores were prepared for, but were rather forced to fulfil. In Australia, for instance, , some major grocery chains like Woolworths and Cloves had to suspend online orders due to a surge in e-orders.
Again, this spike in demand is not completely circumstantial. Experts believe this trend of increasing online shopping was already on the rise and is here to stay. In response to the “new normal”, Woolworths, has announced A$780 billion in technological infrastructure to replace 1,300 workers. Coles has also planned for two highly automated customer-fulfil centres in Melbourne and Sydney, expected to be ready 2023.
Travel
The worst impact of COVID has been borne by the travel industry. Air travel, which was one of the first travel mediums to be suspended since the crisis, has tried to innovate hard and has also moved towards automation to reduce human contact and make travel safer. Airlines are looking at using attended as well and unattended automation in finance and accounting, HR and IT sectors . Furthermore, day-to-day operations like booking, baggage handling, billing etc. are all now being slowly automated (or moving towards it)
Manufacturing
Automation had been widely adapted in the manufacturing sector long before the pandemic, but it’s expected to be even more common now. Due to social distancing directives and sanitization measures, many factories and manufacturing centres, which run on manpower, have had to shut down. All this, combined with a fluctuating demand for goods, calls for a consistent and efficient system in manufacturing using AI and automation.
These were just some of the industries that were pushed into accelerated automation because of the pandemic. The change will soon be felt across sectors – and by the time we are out of this, a pre-COVID world will seem like the ancient past.
Looking towards a pandemic-kindled automated future
Whether you were at the front line of this pandemic or not, there is no doubt that the future of work is bound to change and become highly automated. Question is, what can people do to remain relevant?
The answer is not simple, but it’s one that we’ve been hearing for a while – never stop learning and up-skilling. In a world that is motivated now, more than ever, to turn to automation, it’s important that job seekers arm themselves with skills that stand the test of time and hopefully, even pandemics. We’ve done an in-depth dive into what skills you’ll need in the future , you can find that here.
Automation, it is clear, will impact every sector and, to an extent, every level of work. However, it will also create jobs and newer skills will have to be learnt (for which governments and educators will have to think about providing the right skill training). The art will lie in acquiring the right automation-complimenting skills and moving on from the automation-substitution ones.
A world
of possibilities awaits.
Join the movement.
Find your perfect university,
in one of 40 countries all over the world
Prepare for the future,
whether at university, business or in employment
Secure your future,
through smart, international investments
Connect with leading international companies
and unlock the potential of your team
Fill in the form, so we can contact you and start our journey together.
that’s it!
Thank you for your trust.
Thanks for contacting us! We will reach you shortly and start our journey together.
Terms of Service
Last revised date: January 1st, 2020
"TC Global", "we", "our" or "us" refers to the Company, The Chopras Global Holdings PTE Ltd. and its affiliates. "You" or "your" refers to the user or customer accessing our website and services.
Applicability
These Terms govern your access and use of our website [https://tcglobal.com/]. By accessing or using our website in any way, including as an unregistered website visitor, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy (also available on the website). These Terms apply to your use of our website, and the content made available on or through the website. Other services offered by us may require you to execute separate agreements or agree to other terms as applicable.
We reserve our right to change or revise these Terms at any time by making changes on our website. We encourage you to revisit and review these Terms and stay informed of any changes. Your continued use of the website following the posting of any changes to the Terms constitutes acceptance of those changes.
Legally binding
These Terms constitute a legally binding contract. The Terms shall be in effect as on the date you use or access any of our services.
Content
The text, images, videos, audio clips, software and other content generated, provided, or otherwise made accessible on or through the website (collectively, "Content") are contributed by us and our licensors. The Content is protected by international copyright laws. We and our licensors retain all proprietary rights in the website and the Content made available on or through the website, and, no rights are granted to any Content. Subject to these Terms, we grant each user of the website a worldwide, non-exclusive, non-sublicensable and non-transferable license to use (i.e., to download and display locally) Content solely for viewing, browsing and using the functionality of the website. Any commercial or promotional distribution, publishing or exploitation of our services or content related to our services is strictly prohibited.
All Content is for general informational purposes only. We reserve the right, but do not have any obligation to monitor, remove, edit, modify or remove any Content, in our sole discretion, at any time for any reason or for no reason at all.
Third Party Products and Services
Our services may contain links to third party information, websites, products, services or resources that are not owned or controlled by us. We do not endorse any such third party content. If you access or use such third party content through our services, you do so at your own risk. You agree that we have no responsibility arising from your access to or use of any such third party information, websites, products, services or resources.
Limitation of Liability; Disclaimer
To the extent permitted by law, we and our affiliates, successors and each of our and their employees, assignees, officers, agents and directors (collectively, the "TC Global Parties") disclaim all warranties and terms, express or implied, with respect to the website, Content or services (including third party services) on or accessible through the website, including any warranties or terms of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title, non-infringement and any implied warranties, or arising from course of dealing, course of performance or usage in trade.
In no event shall the TC Global Parties be liable under contract, tort, strict liability, negligence or any other legal or equitable theory with respect to the website for (a) any special, indirect, incidental, punitive, compensatory or consequential damages of any kind whatsoever (however arising) or (b) damages in excess of (in the aggregate) INR 2,000/-.
Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by, construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of India without regard to or application of its conflict of law provisions or your state or country of residence and the courts of New Delhi shall have exclusive jurisdiction.
Miscellaneous
Severability - If any term, condition or provision of these Terms is held to be invalid, unenforceable or illegal in whole or in part for any reason, that provision shall be enforced to the maximum extent permissible so as to effect the intent of the parties. The validity and enforceability of the remaining terms, conditions or provisions, or portions of them, shall not be affected.
Waiver – If you fail to exercise or enforce any provisions or rights under these Terms, it will be deemed as a waiver of future enforcement of that or any other provision or right.
Contact Information
If you wish to provide us with any comments, feedback, or suggestions you may send it to [feedback@thechoprasglobal.com] or by post at [No. 3, Shenton Way #10-05, Shenton House Singapore - 068805].
Privacy Policy
The Chopras Global Holdings PTE Ltd. and its affiliates (“TC Global”, “we”, “our” or “us”) care about your privacy. We are committed to maintaining your trust by protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy (‘Policy’) describes the information we gather on our website or through our website services, applications, or other services as well as any offline products, programs or courses, how we use such information, and the steps we take to protect such information. By visiting our website, using our online services, by downloading our mobile app, or by purchasing or using our services, you accept the privacy practices described in this Policy.
. The Information We Collect
We collect different information depending on our engagement with you and the requirements of applicable law as described below.
When you use our website, you provide us data through a variety of ways. This information includes your name, number, e-mail and service interest. We also collect information regarding your profile.
We collect the information: (a) that you provide to us directly; (b) that your parent, or guardian provides to us; (c) about your use of our services, and (d) If you opt in to certain features or depending on your device settings, we obtain geo-location data.
. Usage of the Information
We use the information we collect to operate our business and provide you with quality service. The extent of our usage is contingent on which services you use, how you use them, and any preferences you may have. Illustratively, we use your information to:
Provide services and improve your experience: We use information about you to respond to your queries, comments and concerns, provide customer and technical support, and operate and maintain the services.
Improve our services and customer support: We use the information to understand and analyze the usage trends and queries received from you to improve our services and support.
Send emails and other communications: We may also send communications to notify you of new information and improvements in our services.
Comply with applicable law: We use the information to comply with our legal obligations and enforce our legal rights, such as, among other things, to exercise contractual rights, to comply with financial reporting obligations in accordance with applicable law.
. To Whom We Disclose Information
We disclose your information in limited circumstances to members of TC Global, our service providers, and other end users, in order to provide our services and to improve your experience. Where required by applicable law, we will only share your information with particular third parties with your consent.
In exceptional circumstances, we may share information about you with a third party if we believe that sharing is reasonably necessary to (a) comply with any applicable law, regulation, or court order, (b) enforce our agreements, policies and terms of service, (c) defend ourselves against any claims or allegations, and (d) protect TC Global from fraudulent, abusive, or unlawful use or activity.
. How to Access Information
You may request details of personal information we hold about you under applicable law. You may object to our use of your information (including for marketing purposes), or to request the modification, restriction or deletion of your information. If you wish to do so, please contact us via our contact details provided below.
. Security
We follow generally accepted industry standards to protect the information submitted to us, both during transmission and once we receive it. TC Global takes reasonable steps endeavoring to use appropriate technical or organizational measures to protect your information, including against unauthorized or unlawful processing and accidental loss, destruction, or damage.
Whilst we will endeavor to maintain security, given the nature of communications and information processing technology, we cannot guarantee that information, during transmission through the Internet or while stored on our systems or otherwise in our care, will be absolutely safe from intrusion by others.
TC Global is not responsible for the content or accuracy of the personal data contained in the information provided by you and stored on its servers nor is TC Global responsible for the manner in which users collect, handle disclosure, distribute or otherwise process such information.
. Collection of Information from Children
Generally, our online services are not directed to children, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children except as permitted under applicable law.
If we become aware that a child under has provided us with information, we will delete such information from our files or obtain parental consent in accordance with applicable law.
. Third Parties
This Privacy Policy does not apply to services provided by third parties. We display advertisements and other content from third parties or partners that link to third-party websites that we do not own or operate. We provide links to these third-party sites as a convenience to you. They are not intended as an endorsement of or referral to the linked services. The linked services are subject to their separate and independent privacy statements, notices, and terms. Additionally, third parties may sell goods or offer services at our facilities or in combination with our services. We are not responsible for that third parties’ services or their privacy practices.
We cannot control or be held responsible for third parties’ privacy practices and content. Please read their privacy policies to find out how they collect and process your information. We are not responsible for the data collection, privacy, and information sharing policies and procedures or content of such third-party websites.
. Transferring Your Data
TC Global is headquartered in India, and has operations, entities and service providers in India and other parts of the world. As such, we and our service providers may transfer your personal information to, or access it in, jurisdictions (including India) that may not provide equivalent levels of data protection as your home jurisdiction. We will take steps to ensure that your personal information receives an adequate level of protection in the jurisdictions in which we process it, including through compliance with applicable law.
. Changes to our Privacy Policy
Please revisit this page periodically to stay aware of any changes to this Policy which we may update from time to time. We will post any changes by a notice on our homepage or by sending you an email notification.
Your continued use of the website following the posting of any changes to the Website Terms constitutes acceptance of those changes.
. Contact Us
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions, concerns or complaints about this Policy, our practices, or are interested in excising your rights. You may email us at [feedback@thechoprasglobal.com] or contact us at our mailing address below:
[No. 3, Shenton Way #10-05, Shenton House Singapore - 068805]
. Country-Specific Terms for India
Indian law defines ‘ sensitive personal information’ to mean information relating to: (i) passwords; (ii) financial information such as bank account/credit card/debit card details; (iii) physical, physiological and mental health condition; (iv) sexual orientation; (v) medical records and history; (vi) biometric information; (vii) any details relating to the above clauses as required for providing you with access to TC Global’s platform; and (viii) any of the information received under above clauses for processing, stored or processed under lawful contract or otherwise. Unless otherwise specified in the Privacy Policy, ‘personal information’ will include ‘sensitive personal information’ as well. By using our platform and TC Global services, you will be deemed to have consented to TC Global’s collection, disclosure and transfer of your personal information. By way of illustration, you will have provided us such consent by your conduct if you choose to share your personal information while using the TC Global platform, such as by including sensitive personal information in your content or by providing sensitive personal information in your registration information.
While transferring personal information collected from individuals in India, we will ensure that it is transferred to entities that offer at least the same levels of data protection as adhered to by us.