1 in 4 jobs will be snatched by automation in the next three years

Nearly half of employers (48%) in the Asia Pacific region think that they will need fewer employees.

The Global Future of Work Survey by the Willis Towers Watson revealed that businesses expect automation to take 23% of work being done in their organisation. Among the polled firms that are already using artificial intelligence and robotics, 85% said they will expand the use of automation in the next three years.

“We observe workplace automation gaining momentum in Asia Pacific, with signs that it will only increase in the future,” said Hamish Deery, regional leader for talent of Willis Towers Watson in Asia Pacific, in a press release.

In Singapore, automation is forecasted to account for an average of 29% of all the work being done.

“Importantly, the business drivers are mainly related to augmenting human performance, not replacing it. The benefits of automation are expected to come primarily from greater workforce and workplace flexibility, work design, and reduced costs,” he added.

Whilst 49% are expecting the jobs to be redesigned to reduce number of workers, majority (51%) are still planning or considering to reskill workers who might be affected by automation.

The survey was participated by a total of 909 companies, including 507 from the Asia Pacific.