Hundreds of articles and other pieces of content have been written about technology and how it has historically replaced labor across various industries, creating pushback and fear among employees. Discussing this topic amid the COVID-19 pandemic is different, as the technology variable has shifted widespread sentiment for the first time. Today, technology enables companies to keep operating and safeguards the employment of millions of people, even if that means performing daily tasks in front of a computer or from our smartphones.
The long-standing debate over using technology to optimize processes has taken a dramatic turn since crowds in shopping centers, restaurants, or markets became a cause for concern and an imminent danger. Throughout 2020, companies adopted drastic measures by deploying all kinds of automation and remote management tools that would allow them to continue publishing and promoting their products and services, enable sales reps to stay in touch with prospects, and ultimately capture customer requests and issues to keep resolving them.
Previously, adopting tools like a CRM or marketing automation tools used to be the difference between boosting company productivity and burning out employees. Today, in this time of crisis, these tools are the only option to keep team members employed. The fear of people being replaced by technology turned into the fear of companies disappearing because they can no longer operate. And ironically, technology is the #1 ally in coping with this new lifestyle whose end date remains unknown.
Here is a video from our podcast where we discuss the key unemployment data from 2020. You will be able to hear our perspectives and form your own opinion regarding technology and its utility during these times.
