b'42 Partner News Spring 2022CorporateAligningI sometimes notice a disconnect between the stories I hear around the role of technology in the workplace and what Im actually seeing in the real world.For example, its often said that the people withintroduction of digital technologies is going to reduce the need for people. However, the World Economic Forum forecasts a net gain of around 12 million new jobs to be created globally by 2025.And this is what I see in the field at technologyour customers. Across manufacturing, technology is being used to meet business goalssuch as driving greater efficiency, flexibility and innovation, but also enhancing what people can do. For sure, people remain at the core and there to driveis an increased demand for human skills like critical thinking and problem solving. This is why Im a fan of our companys mission of expanding human possibility.Food for thought When I was at our most recent automation fair, digital workforce productivity was one innovation of the hot topics. Whether its skilled workers retiring and taking years of knowledge with them or plant-level operators needing better access to information in order to make good decisions quickly, there are solutions to help employees be more effective. Solutions that give them the data and analytics they need to understand whats happening.Susana Gonzalez, President, EMEAWhile the technology is available, Region, Rockwell Automation discussesempowering employees in digital adoption is as much a cultural transformation as it how leaders can make the criticalis a technological one. For leaders tasked with driving digitalisation initiatives, there connections that ensure technology brings aare several critical components to helping positive, empowering contribution to theworkers thrive in their new environments.organisation. Designing a productive environmentThe value of technology isnt just in the features but also in its usability and user experience. Are the solutions being implemented making the users life easier and thus improving job satisfaction?Technology implementations are rarely perfect the first time, so its important to enable feedback loops that allow employees to share their honest feedback on whats helping them and whats holding them back.'