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In response to persistent labor shortages, companies across the United States are seemingly increasingly turning to automation, with robots and advanced technology stepping in to take up hard-to-fill critical roles once occupied by human workers.
Whilst this may seem like a concerning shift for the workforce, the move has sparked an unexpected productivity boom, potentially reshaping the landscape of the American economy and challenging traditional notions of labor and employment.
One such company, Batesville Tool & Die, found itself struggling to attract workers in a community where job seekers were scarce. Despite efforts to hire 70 people, the company managed to fill just 40 vacancies, as it told Business Insider.
In response, Batesville invested in machines capable of mimicking human workers and in vision systems to enhance robotic capabilities, effectively bolstering its workforce with automation.
This trend of automation replacing human labor has been observed nationwide in recent years, driven by chronic worker shortages and the need for increased efficiency. The result has been a surge in productivity, defying expectations and contributing to the resilience of the US economy.
According to the US Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 data, the US labor shortage currently sits at 75%, just under the global average. That means that three in four employers are unable to find suitable employees for their job vacancies.
This is more keenly felt in areas such as front-line positions within the service industry, and industrial manufacturing.
Economists have hailed this productivity boom as a key factor in sustaining economic growth, and keeping inflation in check.
With companies able to produce more with less, they can boost profits and raise wages without significantly raising prices. This phenomenon has reportedly allowed the Federal Reserve to maintain low interest rates, supporting economic expansion while curbing inflationary pressures.
Joe Brusuelas, Chief Economist at RSM, noted parallels between the current productivity surge and the late 1990s, when a similar phenomenon fueled economic growth. He emphasized the transformative impact of automation, particularly in sectors facing acute labor shortages.
The adoption of automation has not been without challenges, however. Concerns about job displacement and the impact on workers have been raised, though historical trends suggest that technological advancements ultimately create more jobs than they eliminate.
Some displaced workers have been able to transition to higher-skilled roles, leveraging technology to enhance their productivity and earning potential.
This trend is garnering positive results for the future of skills development; By investing in their existing workers through upskilling and reskilling initiatives, a business’s current workforce can develop the skills necessary to perform the jobs the business needs now—and the ones they will need years from now.
However, to solve acute disparities between roles and human capital, companies like Reata Engineering & Machine Works have embraced automation as a means of increasing efficiency and empowering workers.
In a conversation with CNN, the company’s CEO Grady Cope highlighted the importance of coupling this move with skills development, providing employees with opportunities to engage with new technologies and take on more fulfilling roles.
Looking ahead, experts anticipate that advancements in AI will further drive productivity gains, revolutionizing industries from manufacturing to customer service.
While concerns about job displacement persist, the overall impact of automation on the US economy appears poised to be positive, paving the way for continued growth and innovation.
