The Future of Work: Automate the Tasks That Drain Your Best People
7 min read
·
Feb 6, 2022
Executives often ask what to automate first with AI. The answer is simple. Start with the repetitive, high-effort, low-creativity work.
These are the tasks that make employees sigh before they even start. The ones that drain energy but add little value.
Why Start Here
Work that eats time but not creativity has a hidden cost. It depletes energy. After hours of repetitive work, employees have less focus for the projects that matter.
If leaders ignore this, their best people will leave for companies that automate.
This may sound dramatic. But the pattern already exists. Some of the best sales reps refuse to join firms without Salesforce. Soon, every role will carry the same expectation. Does this company use AI to automate the boring work?
If the answer is no, talent will move on.
Automation as a Talent Strategy
This is about more than efficiency. It is about people.
Retention. Skilled employees want to spend time on meaningful work.
Recruitment. Top performers will join companies that respect their time.
Engagement. Energized employees contribute more and stay longer.
Companies that fail to automate will find it harder to attract and keep talent.
How to Identify the Right Tasks
Start with work that is:
Repetitive. Happens daily or weekly with little change.
High-effort. Takes significant time and energy.
Low-creativity. Adds no strategic or original value.
Examples:
Generating reports
Sorting and tagging feedback
Drafting meeting notes
Sending scheduling emails
Targeting these creates immediate wins without touching core workflows.
The Energy Equation
No one wants to feel like a robot could do their job. Automating repetitive work keeps those tasks off the plate and frees energy for higher-value contributions.
Energized employees are more creative, collaborative, and loyal.
Closing Thought
AI adoption is not just about productivity. It is about culture. Companies that automate the draining work will build teams that are energized and engaged.
Let the robots handle the robotic tasks.
