TMCNet:  Global Research Commissioned by Verint Shows Consumers Becoming More Comfortable with Automation in Work Environments

[May 14, 2018]

Global Research Commissioned by Verint Shows Consumers Becoming More Comfortable with Automation in Work Environments

The results of a large-scale study of more than 36,000 consumers in 18 countries by Verint® Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: VRNT), The Customer Engagement Company, and carried out in partnership with Opinium Research LLC, reveals that more than 70% of consumers stated there has been an increased use of automation technology-such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robots-in their workplaces.

The study also showed that consumers on the whole are becoming more comfortable with automation in the workplace. Consumers in Mexico (85%), Brazil (84%) and India (83%) reported the highest levels of automation in the workplace. Nearly 7 out of 10 (69%) U.S. consumers said processes are being automated by technology, while those in Sweden and Japan (both at 55%), and Germany, Denmark and the UK (all at 61%) reported the lowest levels of automation.

Approximately half of respondents (49%) said that technology, such as AI and robots, help them do their job more effectively. Those in countries with the highest adoption of technology were more disposed to view automation in a positive light, with 76% of Indians, 70% of Brazilians and 65% of Mexicans believing that it helps them do their job more effectively. Brits (25%), Swedes (29%), Belgians (32%) and Canadians (36%) had the lowest response to the role of technology in the workplace. In the U.S., 43% of respondents said technology helps them perform their jobs more effectively.

This fresh research raises questions about what the workplace of the future may look like and suggests the line between the workplace and home will continue to blur. More than two-thirds (67%) of respondents said they expect workplaces to be more flexible to suit employee preferences as technology improves, and 62% said technology is already making it easier for them to work from home or have more flexible work hours.

Trends expert James Woudhuysen, visiting professor of forecasting and innovation at London South Bank University, shares that "In both developed and developing economies, customer service forms a rising share of employment and GDP. Though organizations will automate many of today's customer service tasks, there will be plenty of new jobs in this sector. These jobs will just be different. They'll be more about what machines can't do. In 2030, for example, direct human interaction in customer service will need to combine wisdom with the latest sundings of the public mood. In this way, companies can make the right call-a feat that technology, automation and systems won't, by themselves, ever be able to achieve."

"Technology continues to shape the way people engage with organizations, both as customers and employees. However, organizations must strike the right balance between technology and automation on one hand and human interactions on the other," says Verint's (News - Alert) Ryan Hollenbeck, senior vice president of global marketing and executive sponsor of the Verint Customer Experience Program. "Automation technology, in particular, opens new possibilities for how people work, as well as how they meet service level requirements."

In fact, automation can be seen as a benefit in its ability to handle mundane, repetitive tasks and processes, and manage them in a timely, compliant way. It frees employees for more meaningful activities and work in more flexible ways, while empowering consumers to self-serve through the channel, place and time of their choosing. For effective rollout strategies and adoption techniques, Hollenbeck notes that "The key will be for organizations to engage employees throughout the implementation process of automation and robotics initiatives, explaining and demonstrating the value of technology, alongside human intelligence and emotion."

About the Research
This research was commissioned by Verint from December 27, 2017 through January 8, 2018 in association with research company Opinium Research LLP. Interviews were conducted amongst 36,014 consumers in the following countries: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. The research was conducted online in the local language for each country, and respondents were incentivized to participate. Sectors involved in the survey included banking, brick-and-mortar retail, credit card, insurance, mobile phone provider, online retail, telecommunications, travel and utilities.

To learn more about the research-and to view other key findings, the white paper "Defining the Human Age: A Reflection on Customer Service in 2030," infographics, the on-demand webinar and related announcements-click here.

About Verint Systems Inc.
Verint® (Nasdaq: VRNT) is a global leader in Actionable Intelligence® solutions with a focus on customer engagement optimization, security intelligence, and fraud, risk and compliance. Today, over 10,000 organizations in more than 180 countries-including over 85 percent of the Fortune 100-count on intelligence from Verint solutions to make more informed, effective and timely decisions. Learn more about how we're creating A Smarter World with Actionable Intelligence® at www.verint.com.

This press release contains "forward-looking statements," including statements regarding expectations, predictions, views, opportunities, plans, strategies, beliefs, and statements of similar effect relating to Verint Systems Inc. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and they are based on management's expectations that involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements. For a detailed discussion of these risk factors, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2018 and other filings we make with the SEC (News - Alert). The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and, except as required by law, Verint assumes no obligation to update or revise them or to provide reasons why actual results may differ.

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