Workforce Automation and Skills Survey

In order to better understand how automation is changing the number and types of jobs available in our region and what services may therefore be needed through our education and workforce systems, the Worcester Business Journal, together with the MassHire Central Region Workforce Board and its Career Centers, ask that you to take a moment to complete this simple survey. All responses are confidential.

Please note, for the purposes of survey the definition of automation is, "the use of technology (electromechanical, computational, or combination of the two) to replace or reduce the human intervention required to perform a work task". Note, this may include automation of such things as IT and HR functions handled by computer systems, communication tools, robotic manufacturing/production machines, etc.

3.Have you implemented (or are considering implementing) any of the following automation technologies in your MA location(s)? (choose all that apply):

Automated phone answering systems or communications

Artificial intelligence systems/processes

Cloud database or customer relations management systems

Robotic manufacturing equipment

Automated material moving robots/machinery

Other : Please describe the previously selected answer(s)

4.If you have (or are considering) automating, please describe the reason(s) for this (choose all that apply):

Other (please specify):

5.If you are planning to implement automation, what is the time frame? (if you are not planning to automate, please skip to question 7)

1 year

2 years

+2 years

Other (please specify):

6.What has been (or will be) the impact of your automation upon your organization's staffing level in MA?

Increased the number of staff

Reduced the number of staff

No change in the number of staff

7.Does automation affect the types of skill sets desired in your workforce?

Yes

Not Sure

8.If you answered yes in the previous question, what new skill sets will be needed? (if you did not answer yes to the previous question please skip to question 9)

Computer programming

Electro-mechanical

Machine maintenance

Other(s):

9.Please describe any education/workforce training programs that are (or will be soon)needed due to automation:

10.Do you have any additional comments regarding the topic of automation and its relationship to the workforce?