The Importance of Human Processes
For some of you, the concept of human processes might sound familiar. However, others may question the relevance of such an analysis, considering the extensive literature already available on the theory of process management. One might argue, isn’t it time we move from theorizing to implementing?
We believe that the time is now to focus on human processes. The current application of process handling for human work in the workplace predominantly covers a specific type of work: repetitive and often semi-automated tasks. The human involvement in these tasks is typically limited to data entry and low-level decision-making.
However, human processes extend beyond these roles. It is essential to recognize the value of a human's ability to reason, empathize, and make complex decisions, skills which are far from obsolete even in the face of advancing automation. Human processes also encompass these areas of work, and it is crucial to manage them effectively from a process perspective.
The Challenges of Managing Human Processes
Managing human processes is challenging for a number of reasons. First, human processes are often unpredictable and complex. They can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the individual skills and abilities of the people involved, the context in which the work is being done, and the availability of resources.
Second, human processes are often difficult to measure and quantify. This makes it challenging to track their performance and identify areas for improvement.
Third, human processes are often resistant to change. This is because people are often reluctant to change their ways of working, even if there is a clear benefit to doing so.
The Benefits of Managing Human Processes Effectively
Despite the challenges, there are a number of benefits to managing human processes effectively. First, it can help to improve the quality and efficiency of work. By identifying and addressing the factors that are impacting the performance of human processes, organizations can improve their overall productivity.
Second, it can help to reduce costs. By streamlining human processes and eliminating waste, organizations can save money on resources and labor.
Third, it can improve customer satisfaction. By providing a better experience for customers, organizations can increase loyalty and repeat business.
Conclusion
In this column, we have argued that human processes are essential to the success of any organization. By managing human processes effectively, organizations can improve their productivity, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction. We believe that the time is now to focus on human processes, and we look forward to exploring this topic in more detail.