Should tech be the pillar to reshaping workplace relations?

As workplace relations become more volatile with constantly changing industrial regulations, reshaping workplace relations has never been more crucial. Technology, one report suggests, could be the answer.

The recent Accenture Life Trends report has offered a blueprint to leaders across the Australian workplace. As tensions rise about the threat of AI to job security, paired with employers pulling their weight when it comes to return-to-office (RTO) mandates, the report argues that employers must learn to value their employees. Failing to do so is a direct indictment of their organisation’s business outcomes.

Reinforcing a “dignity of work” was considered crucial in the report, touching on the priorities that Australian employees have in the modern-day workplace.

“Workplace relations are coming under strain in Australia, with changing industrial relations, fears about AI job replacement, and a crackdown on workplace flexibility such as return-to-office mandates,” the report said.

As previously reported on HR Leader, more and more employers are deciding to cut down on their flexible workplace arrangements, much to the dismay of employees. This has been linked as a catalyst for workers distancing themselves from their work.

“Emotional distancing between workers and work is clearer – workers want more flexibility, better balance, and higher salaries,” the report said.

“Australians value work/life balance most highly (64 per cent). A high salary (50 per cent), job security (50 per cent), flexibility in working time and arrangements (44 per cent) and personal growth (15 per cent) were also considered valuable to workers.”

The report recommended the following for employers to consider:

• The workforce needs to be re-energised – starting with leaders.
• People need to be treated like people and machines like machines – and AI shouldn’t be personified.
• Leaders should design fulfilling work structured with dignity and respect to retain the best talent.
• Employees should have their voices heard and respected when it comes to AI adoption.
• For all companies, change management is a constant requirement.

“According to Accenture research, 60 per cent of employees globally are concerned about generative AI increasing their stress and burnout, but only 37 per cent of leaders see this as a problem,” the report said.

It’s well known that businesses flourish when their employees themselves feel valued by their organisations. Employee experience often relates directly to customer experience, thus driving business growth. If employers fail to see the forest for the trees, then it may reflect badly on their business outcomes.