N AVIGATING THE A UTOMATION C ONUNDRUM IN THE M ODERN W ORKPLACE

This paper investigates the impact of automation in the modern workplace, focusing on the dual nature of its effects—both positive and negative. Utilizing a literature review and empirical research, including a survey with 81 participants, the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the 'Automation Conundrum' and 'Automation Para dox.' The findings reveal that while automation enhances productivity and reduces routine tasks, it may also lead to job displacement, skill gaps, and increased technology dependence. A significant correlation was found between respondents' preparedness fo r automation and their optimism about new job opportunities, highlighting the importance of adaptability and continuous skill development. The study acknowledges limitations in its demographic scope and response variability. Implications for policymakers, businesses, and workers suggest a balanced approach to automation, emphasizing reskilling, policy innovation, and maintaining human elements in work.


Introduction
The onset of the 21st century has brought about a shift in the workplace, primarily propelled by the rapid pace of technological advancements.Among these, automation and autonomy stand out as forces reshaping the nature of work, productivity, and the skill landscape required in modern economies.This transformation, while heralding increased efficiency and productivity gains, simultaneously unveils a complex array of challenges and unintended consequences.One of the negative consequences has been recognized as the 'Automation Conundrum and automation Paradox.These paradoxes encapsulate a scenario where automation, ostensibly a boon to productivity and efficiency, concurrently manifests challenges that undercut its potential benefits.
This paper draws upon a survey of literature and empirical research that sheds light on the nuances of the automation conundrum and paradox.

Defining the Automation Conundrum and Paradox
The terms 'automation conundrum' and 'automation paradox' serve as conceptual frameworks to understand the dual-edged impact of automation on the modern workplace.The automation conundrum is rooted in the dichotomy between automation's potential to streamline operations and its capacity to displace human workers, thereby creating a gap between technological capabilities and the readiness of the workforce to adapt to these changes.The paradox of automation, on the other hand, delves deeper into the implications of these challenges, revealing a complex interplay between technological advancement and socio-economic outcomes.This paradox lies in the realization that even as automation propels productivity and operational efficiency to new heights, it simultaneously engenders a set of adverse effects, such as the displacement of jobs, the widening of skill gaps, and an increased dependence on technology, thereby raising pressing ethical and socio-economic dilemmas.
Central to understanding the automation conundrum and paradox is the recognition of the nuanced impacts of these technological advancements.As Bainbridge (1983) eloquently articulated in the concept of the 'irony of automation,' the more advanced and autonomous systems become, the more critical the role of human oversight and intervention, paradoxically, becomes.This irony underscores a fundamental challenge: as systems are designed to perform tasks with minimal human input, the skills, situational awareness, and engagement of human operators diminish, thereby exacerbating the risks associated with system failures or unforeseen scenarios.The automation paradox further complicates this landscape, as elucidated by researchers such as Endsley (2017) and Woods (2017), who highlight how increased automation can lead to a degradation of human operators' ability to maintain control over systems, particularly in situations not anticipated during the design phase.

Positive Aspects of Automation
The discourse on automation is not solely focused on its challenges but also highlights a range of positive impacts that have transformative potential for the workplace.At the forefront of these benefits is the significant enhancement of Operational Efficiency.This capability is not merely about the speed and accuracy with which tasks are performed but also encompasses the ability of automated systems to operate round-the-clock, thereby maximizing output and reducing the time required for various operations.Studies by Alberth and Mattern (2017), Anagnoste (2017), and Lacity and Willcocks (2015;2016) provide empirical evidence supporting the assertion that automation can significantly enhance productivity across a diverse range of industries, from manufacturing to services.
Moreover, automation plays a crucial role in the Reduction of Repetitive Tasks, thereby freeing human workers from the monotony of routine, repetitive activities.The literature underscores this point, with studies by Lacity and Willcocks (2015) and Fersht (2012) highlighting how automation can foster job variety and enable employees to concentrate on higher-value work, thus enhancing the overall quality of work life.Furthermore, the scalability and flexibility of automation technologies, as noted by authors like Suri et al. (2017), provide businesses with the ability to adapt quickly to changing market demands and operational requirements, thereby offering a competitive edge in an increasingly dynamic and complex business environment.
If we consider AI as the current highest level of automation we can with Khanzode and Sarode (2020) add following advantages: finishing tasks faster than a human, stressful and complex work completed easily and quicker than a human, various functions can be done at a time, success ratio is high, less errors, less space required, calculation of long term and complex situations, and discovery of unexplored things.

Negative Consequences of Automation
While the benefits of automation are significant, the technology's widespread adoption has also led to a series of negative consequences that cannot be overlooked.
One of the most pressing issues is Job Displacement, a phenomenon where the introduction of automated systems results in the elimination of jobs that were previously performed by human workers.This displacement is not limited to manual or low-skill jobs but extends to roles that require complex cognitive skills, as automation and artificial intelligence technologies evolve to undertake tasks that involve decision-making and problem-solving.The literature, including works by Alberth and Mattern (2017) and Asatiani and Penttinen (2016), provides evidence of this trend, indicating that job displacement is a significant challenge that societies must address in the face of increasing automation.
Coupled with job displacement is the issue of Widening Skill Gaps.As automation technologies become more prevalent, the demand for skills shifts, emphasizing technical competencies and the ability to work alongside automated systems.This shift can create skill gaps, leaving segments of the workforce ill-prepared for the changing demands of the labor market.The research by authors such as Lacity and Willcocks (2015) and Suri et al. (2017) underscores the importance of addressing these skill gaps through education, training, and workforce development initiatives to ensure that workers are equipped with the skills needed in an automated world.
Another critical concern is the Dependence on Technology, where the reliance on automated systems can lead to a deterioration of human skills and decisionmaking capabilities.This dependence is particularly problematic in situations where automated systems fail or when unforeseen circumstances arise that require human intervention.The literature highlights the risks associated with over-reliance on technology, with studies by Endsley (2017) and Woods (2017) discussing how increased automation can degrade human operators' ability to maintain control over systems and make effective decisions in complex situations.
Khanzode and Sarode (2020) add some more disadvantages of AI: It can be misused, the results are not always reliable, lack of the human touch, users can become lazy, AI can be expensive.

Balancing Technological Advancement with Human Work
Navigating the complexities of automation in the modern workplace requires a multifaceted strategy that balances the benefits of technological advancements with the preservation of human-centric work.Key to this strategy is the Reskilling of the Workforce, an imperative that involves equipping employees with the skills and competencies required to thrive in an automated environment.The literature, including studies by Lacity and Willcocks (2015) and Suri et al. (2017), emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adaptability, advocating for initiatives that facilitate the reskilling and upskilling of the workforce.
Policy Adaptations are another crucial element in the strategy to balance technological advancement with human work.This includes measures such as social safety nets, training programs, and incentives for businesses to invest in human capital.The research by authors like Lacity and Willcocks (2016) highlights the role of policy in mitigating the socio-economic challenges posed by automation, underscoring the need for proactive and innovative policy responses.
Furthermore, the Embrace of New Roles created by technological advancements offers a pathway to redefine job roles in the automated workplace.As automation takes over routine and repetitive tasks, new opportunities emerge for roles that leverage human strengths such as creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking.This evolution can lead to more varied and fulfilling career paths, aligning more closely with human capabilities and interests.The literature points to the importance of embracing these new roles, with studies by Anagnoste (2017) discussing how automation can foster job variety and enable employees to concentrate on highervalue work.

Methodlogy
We conducted research to uncover users' attitudes towards AI and its impacts.Our research question was how user perceive automation and its both positive and negative effects.

Results
We collected responses from 81 participants, with an average age of 41 years (standard deviation of 11 years).We employed a 5-point Likert scale, where 1 means "definitely yes" and 5 means "definitely no."The majority of participants were men (61%).Most respondents held a university degree (offered options were 1 for basic education, 2 for high school, and 3 for university).The questionnaire was distributed online, utilizing the snowball method for respondent recruitment and was also promoted across various forums and blogs.The questionnaire was in Czech.From Table 1, it is evident that respondents believe automation enhances productivity and reduces routine tasks to some extent.However, they are sceptical about automation's contribution to greater flexibility and innovation, possibly because generative AI has not been widely introduced into many professions or is primarily used for routine tasks.Respondents are not particularly fearful of job losses but do anticipate that automation may pose challenges for specific groups in the labor market.They express concern over dependency on technology, feel underprepared for using automated technology, and perceive a lack of adequate support regarding automation.They anticipate that many professions will undergo changes and that continuous skill development will be essential due to automation.
Respondents are slightly pessimistic, doubting that automation will lead to new job creation.Except for flexibility, technology dependence, lack of support, and the creation of new jobs, responses hovered around the midpoint value of 2,5, indicating no strong opinions.
In terms of correlations, we discovered a positive link significant at the 5% significance level between increased productivity, reduced routine tasks, and greater flexibility (rs productivity -routine=0,47; rs productivity -flexibility=0,26), aligning with expectations.Nonetheless, the correlation between reduced routine tasks and increased flexibility was not statistically significant at the 5% level.Those who feel prepared for automation are optimistic that it will generate new jobs (rs preparedness - new_jobs=0,26).Those feeling prepared for automation think it will bring them more flexibility (rs preparedness -flexibility=0,41).Interestingly, older respondents exhibit more concern over job losses, changes in professions, challenges for certain groups in the labor market, and feel less prepared for automation (rs age -job_losses=0,24; (rs age - change_of_profession=0,37; rs age -preparedness= -0,23).

Discussion
The findings of this study contribute to the ongoing academic discourse on the impact of automation within the scientific context, particularly concerning human capital, skills, and the broader implications of technological change.By examining both the positive and negative facets of automation, this research aligns with the foundational insights of Bainbridge (1983) on the irony of automation and extends the contemporary analysis of Alberth and Mattern (2017), who delve into the productivity enhancements afforded by robotic process automation.
For stakeholders, the implications of this research are manifold.Policymakers are tasked with the challenge of devising strategies that mitigate the adverse effects of automation, such as job displacement and widening skill gaps, while also leveraging its benefits for economic and productivity gains.Businesses, on the other hand, must navigate the integration of automation technologies in a manner that preserves the human element of work, fostering an environment where technological advancements and human skills complement rather than replace one another.This necessitates a commitment to reskilling and upskilling initiatives, ensuring that the workforce remains adaptable and prepared for the evolving demands of the labor market.
Employees, as direct stakeholders, face the dual challenge of adapting to new technological realities while safeguarding their employability.The correlation found between preparedness for automation and optimism about future job opportunities underscores the importance of continuous learning and adaptability as key competencies in the age of automation.
Our research shows there are concerns about job security and technology dependence were moderate, with respondents feeling underprepared for automation's challenges and lacking sufficient support for adaptation.Interestingly, correlations indicated a positive relationship between perceived productivity benefits and optimism about new job creation, particularly among those who felt prepared for automation.However, concerns about job losses and the need for continuous skill development were more pronounced among older respondents.Overall, while recognizing automation's efficiency gains, the study highlighted mixed feelings about its broader implications, leaning towards a slightly pessimistic view of automation's role in future job creation and professional development.

Conclusion
In conclusion, this study underscores the complex landscape of automation in the modern workplace, presenting a nuanced view that balances the significant benefits of technological advancements against the challenges they pose to the workforce and society at large.
The 'Automation Conundrum' and 'Automation Paradox' encapsulate the dualedged nature of automation, highlighting the importance of navigating these changes with a strategic approach that prioritizes human-centric work, continuous learning, and adaptability.The findings from the empirical research provide valuable insights into employee perspectives on automation, revealing a mixture of optimism and concern regarding the future of work, job security, and the necessity for skill development in an era characterized by rapid technological change.
Our questionnaire comprised five sections -Demographic Information, Benefits of Automation, Challenges of Automation, Adaptation to Automation, and the Future of Work under the Influence of Automation -and included 15 questions.See below for details.Section 1: Demographic Information − Age, gender, education.Section 2: Benefits of Automation − Automation leads to increased productivity and efficiency in the workplace.(Productivity) − Thanks to automation, I can spend less time on routine tasks.(Routine) − Automation brings greater flexibility and innovation to my work processes.(Flexibility) Section 3: Challenges and Concerns about Automation − I am concerned that automation will lead to job losses.(Job losses) − Automation increases the risk of disadvantaging certain groups in the labor market.(Disadvantaging) − I am worried about becoming dependent on technology due to automation.(Technology dependence) Section 4: Adapting to Automation − I feel prepared to adapt to changes caused by automation.(Preparedness) − I believe it is necessary to continuously develop my skills to remain competitive in the era of automation.(Skills development) − Institutions and organizations provide sufficient resources for retraining and skill development in relation to automation.(Support) Section 5: The Future of Work − I believe that automation will create more job opportunities than it will eliminate.(New jobs) − I expect that automation will fundamentally change the nature of many professions in the future.(Change of profession) − My optimism about the future of work outweighs my concerns about automation.(Optimism)