Overview
Workers have long feared automation would take their jobs, and COVID-19 intensified those worries. But despite the common narrative, automation isn't a competitor for human jobs, and there's no evidence of a robot revolution coming to fruition anytime soon.
The future of automation is about how technology can support humans, especially in the small and medium-sized business community. Software automation has grown at scale, enabling workers to be more efficient and giving them time back to do things only people can do.
Table of contents
Key findings
Automation is essential software for small and medium-sized businesses
In 2020, many SMBs went digital, adopting various tools and technology to bring their goods and services online. High on that list of new tools is automation. Zapier data shows the explosion of COVID-19-related automations—from automating curbside pickup to quickly processing new leads—as SMBs sought ways to increase productivity, connect their software, and create scalable systems.
And it made a difference. 63% of SMBs say automation allowed their company to quickly pivot as a result of the pandemic—whether it was bringing their goods and services online or changing their business model completely. That benefit isn't likely to shrink, either: even as things get back to "normal," we'll live much more of our lives online. Small businesses are already using technology to prepare for that reality: 66% say automation is now essential for running their business.
See how Michael Alexis used automation to pivot his business after losing $2.8 million in revenue at the start of the pandemic.
Why is it essential? SMBs rely on software to perform specific functions, like capturing leads from Facebook Lead Ads. Rather than spend time manually sending data from one place to another, SMBs use automation to connect different software and create scalable systems and processes.
According to Zapier user data, the most common software and business apps SMBs are connecting include everything from email marketing tools to lead capture apps to scheduling software.
What exactly are SMBs automating? Some of the most common use cases for automated workflows include:
Reducing manual data entry, including copying/pasting data from one platform, database, document, or system to another: 38%
Lead management, including following up with new leads: 30%
Document creation and organization, including creating meeting agendas, to-do lists, etc.: 32%
Managing inventory and distribution: 27%
Automation helps small businesses compete
While automation helps SMBs eliminate repetitive, everyday tasks, there are bigger benefits as well: 88% of SMBs say automation allows them to compete with larger companies by allowing them to move faster, close leads quickly, spend less time on busywork, reduce errors, and offer better customer service.
Here are some of the competitive advantages automation gives them:
The ability to move faster: 34% say automation allows them to spend less time on administrative tasks, and 28% say it reduces the amount of time it takes to follow up with a lead.
Better customer support: 35% say using automation allows them to provide better customer service and support.
Less human error: 34% say automating tasks like data entry reduces errors.
Automation makes knowledge workers happier
The benefits of automation are often centered around the value it brings to a business. But workers are benefiting just as much. Automation tackles mundane tasks and allows people to concentrate on the kind of work that drives them.
Currently, 44% of SMB employees say that they're not highly efficient or productive in their day-to-day work, and 94% say they perform repetitive, time-consuming tasks in their role.
Some of the most time-consuming tasks for small business employees are:
Data entry: 38%
Document creation and management: 34%
Invoice management: 33%
Copying data from one source to another: 31%
By identifying repetitive tasks that take the most time, SMBs can develop a strategy to automate manual and repetitive processes and free up time for more creative or strategic tasks. In fact, nearly 70% of SMB employees say using automation software has helped them be more productive at work. And it's not just about productivity:
66% say that using automation at work allows them to focus on more creative tasks and projects.
1 in 5 say that automation increases the accuracy and efficiency of their work.
All this adds up: 92% of knowledge workers agree that automation has improved their lives in the workplace. Specifically:
2 out of 3 are satisfied with their role because they use automation at work
63% say using automation has helped them fight work burnout
65% say that using automation at work makes them less stressed
How much do knowledge workers value automation? 52% would rather sit in traffic for two extra hours every day than give up the automation tools that make their life easier.
Conclusion
For many small and medium-sized businesses, the future of automation is already here. Many SMBs are using automation to increase worker productivity and happiness, create efficient and scalable systems, and compete with larger businesses. A robot revolution isn't coming anytime soon, but automation is creating a more productive workforce.
Methodology
Zapier surveyed 2,000 U.S. knowledge workers from small and medium businesses [fewer than 250 total employees] on whether or not workflow automation tools are being used at their company. This survey was completed online in March 2021 and responses were random, voluntary, and completely anonymous.
