Tag: job security

Automation

Factory Automation and Why It Has Been a Cause for Major Job Security Concerns

Automation has been the source of concern for centuries, from the 16th-century mechanization of stockings production to the 19th-century industrial revolution that led to the UK’s textile riots. From the late 20th-century automation of car manufacturing to the 21st century, worries that Artificial Intelligence will eventually take up our jobs. Job security is an issue that brings forth conflict among manual laborers—resulting from the automation of repetitive manual tasks. Automation has replaced many jobs over the years but has also given rise to other specializations in industries. Major manufacturers have employed robots to level with consumer demands because they are efficient and fast in task completion while playing a massive role in keeping these businesses highly competitive. To provide a clear understanding of the impact automation has had in industries, let’s dive deeper into the jobs’ technicalities in these places. Automation by Job Type- Robots execute blue-collar jobs faster and more efficiently than the human workforce, an effect that has highly optimized the production process. However, jobs requiring intuition and creativity, such as product design, and artistry require empathy, making them reserved for the human workforce. The human workforce also retains jobs that appreciate soft skills, such as effective communication, collaboration, leadership, and a problem-solving mindset. That being an overview of the automation effect, let’s dive deeper into factory-related jobs and how automation has affected them. Creative Jobs: These jobs require a human eye and mind and combine procedural tasking with intuition in their execution. While proper product design does require a certain level of technical know-how, it also asks for a deeper understanding of why people like the look and feel of these products. In manufacturing industries, designing products may require a focus on the technical application of the product and cater to the look and feel of these products. An API valve manufacturer, for example, may decide to automate the production of the product. However, to tailor for customers that care for factory aesthetics, they require a human understanding of the design process. Automation can play a role in tasks such as drawing, 3D printing, and data analysis. These artistic job descriptions probably have a higher sense of security than others. Technical Jobs: Following product design is the manufacturing process involving technical activities such as assembling parts to come up with a wholesome product. A car manufacturing factory may implement robotic arms, each responsible for joining parts of a vehicle together, working with more efficiency and speed than a human. After putting together the product, there is a proper packaging requirement in preparation for shipping. A robot performs packaging tasks as they are repetitive and technical. The packaging process does not engage in human creativity; thus, automation is probably the better option for such work. However, in other industries such as food processing, products’ packaging may require customization--a process requiring making phone calls, listening to ideas, and making constant changes to the product’s packaging. We employ automation for the job’s technical and repetitive parts; however, to understand human needs, a human being is needed. Transportation of the products to the expected locations is the final process in manufacturing. We can automate the package addressing systems in preparation for transport. Soon, however, there is a possibility that autonomous vehicles will replace transport drivers. Currently, smaller package delivery employs drones in some parts of the world. Leadership and Collaborative Jobs: Top managerial job descriptions have the least possibility of automation because they require effective coordination, communication, and decision-making. These professionals employ a combination of technical know-how, emotional intelligence, and in some, risk-taking-- we cannot reach a balance through automation. Automation cannot replace these individuals, partially because they might resist losing their jobs since they decide which tasks to automate and which not to automate. The Solution to The Conflict: The fear that automation will eventually take up all jobs exists. To keep the conversation healthy, positive, and practical, we need to educate the masses on what automation means and the types of jobs it can take over. The first step towards education is learning, learning the fear, and learning communication strategies. Understanding communication techniques will ensure that proper education occurs. The second step is the actual training of professionals, which involves educating employees in preparation for the jobs they are to transition to during automation. However, it is essential to note that automating the training process might result in a larger conflict. Partially because we know that resolutions cannot be sufficient when executed by who causes the conflict. The third step is to ensure regular training occurs by providing relevant and up-to-date information and training materials. At first, individuals will be reluctant to change job descriptions, which we can resolve through the previously discussed process. Conclusion: Automation and job security have been and will always conflict.; however, a balance is struck each time it has happened. We currently live in a world with fear of automation from watching various films, such as The Terminator, the Transformers, and others. Some still expect to see a world similar to that in the movies. The reality is that we use robots to perform repetitive tasks that we have complained about for ages. Do not be fearful, instead educate yourselves on automation. Do this with a keen eye on the jobs that seem impossible to automate. All the best. Read Also: 3 Encryption Trends and How They Make Communication More Secure Why Sensors are Essential in Machine Automation Seven Great Reasons to Use a Car Transportation Company

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Vital Components of Thriving in the Gig Economy

The Vital Components of Thriving in the Gig Economy

Freelancers, independent consultants and contractors, side hustlers, and part-timers all form a part of the global phenomenon known as the Gig economy. With the coronavirus disrupting the employment world in 2020, there has been an increase in the number of people joining the Gig economy in 2021. This shift was also influenced by the need to find more flexible work. Technology has been an essential tool in this growth as most of these workers get work online. Apps and websites such as Uber, Fiverr, Upwork, Etsy, and Instacart are facilitators of this since you can work from anywhere, as long as you have a way of accessing the website/app for work. For individuals considering joining such work, several things are critical for your survival. They include: Understanding What Your Purpose Is: A comprehensive sample of freelancers reports that work is more than just a paycheck. You need to know what you're passionate about because there are times it will get complicated, and you will need to remind yourself why you followed that path. Assuming you have had a job as a car mechanic for the past three years and are considering switching to work that involves car modifications. Make sure you understand what it is about car modifications that make you want to take the risk. The Uncertain Nature of Work: The majority of people do not join the Gig Economy because of this type of work’s uncertainty. While starting, income will likely fluctuate, a good reason for you to set up an emergency fund for yourself. You should jump into the first opportunity that comes your way without necessarily compromising your work’s worth; you must gauge the work-time to pay ratio of a task before taking it up. But since you are starting, you might need to make a bit of a compromise. Say you would like to work on modifying sports cars, but the available clients own vans and trucks, don’t ignore this sort of work. Instead, accept the job, order some plastic molding company RYD tooling merchandise and get to work. Time Management: Since you will be both the worker and the boss in this work environment, you must let personal calls, texts, and emails go unanswered while working. Employ the use of time tracking apps to understand how much time you spend in executing tasks. Manage your time wisely, or you’ll end up losing gigs over not meeting deadlines. Set Up a Productive Work Environment: A physical workspace plays an essential role in how productive your work will be. Establishing a workspace can involve setting up a home office or finding a corner table at your local cafe; either way, you need a space that brings out productivity in you. However, if you're an individual that likes organized office spaces, you should try out a shared office space that could be closer to what you need. Be open to converting your home garage into a commercial space. Establishing a Routine: Morning routines play a crucial role in how your day goes; some have reported that on days they miss performing their morning routine, they end up being less productive than on days they achieved it. You must establish a routine such as meditation, working out, taking a walk, etc. Just do the things that help you arrange your thoughts, and make sure you do the same each day. Communicate Your Worth: Performing work and later on realizing that you have undercharged a client is one of the few ways you can demotivate yourself. Ensure that each time you get a client, you inform them of how much you will charge for their work. If you maintain discipline in doing this, you might end up being among the top percentage of freelancers earning more than $100,000 per year. Finances: Stay on top of your finances to ensure that you stay on top of things when it’s time to pay the tax. Differentiate between your business and personal accounts, pay your taxes, save up for retirement, and track all your expenses versus the income you get. Healthcare Plan: Being a freelancer does not come with the healthcare plans that a corporate job will have; you should acquire healthcare coverage. Research the various options available for you and get the best. If you have a spouse, you might qualify for their coverage, so consider that option too. Socialization: This line of work is characterized by hours of work where one is alone; researchers have established that there are repercussions towards isolating yourself for so long. You should find a group of peers that you can share experiences with; you could even have a group of people you hang around to ensure that you are not always alone. Being alone might have adverse mental effects on you. Redefining Success: In traditional careers, success comes with a level of job security that you cannot equate to in the gig economy, so you should redefine what you term as a success. You could consider a successful career as one that has a balance between predictability and possibility, one that promises continued work and allows one to feel alive, present, and authentic in their work. The benefit of working in the gig economy is that you will still overcome the struggle no matter what happens. Conclusion: The gig economy is vast and keeps growing each day, but there is one thing that never changes about it, the fact that you are the one who defines everything. So before you switch from your traditional employment career, make sure you can handle all these aspects on your own first. Be great. Read Also: The significance of face-to-face networking for freelancers How Business Owners Can Better Utilize Freelance Work What They Don’t Tell You About Freelance Careers Five Reasons Why Freelancers Should Use a Coworking Space

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