Automation has long been celebrated for its ability to save time and cut costs, but what if its most valuable impact is on the people behind the processes? A new survey highlights an often-overlooked benefit: how automating finance workflows can alleviate stress, increase job satisfaction, and create happier teams. This article delves into the frustrations finance professionals face daily and how automation provides much-needed relief.

Finance Professionals Are Overwhelmed

Imagine spending hours every week sorting invoices, chasing approvals, and double-checking records. For many finance professionals, this is the reality. The 2024 Yooz Survey: The Cost of Finance’s Paper Dependence revealed that 74% of respondents feel bogged down by repetitive manual tasks caused by outdated paper processes. This leads to more than just inefficiency; it contributes to burnout and lower job satisfaction.

The errors inherent in manual processes further compound the problem. From misplaced invoices to duplicate payments, the consequences are frustrating for employees and damaging to vendor relationships. Over time, these inefficiencies lead to disengagement, making it hard for finance teams to feel motivated.

Automation as a Game-Changer

What if those manual tasks could disappear? By automating time-consuming processes like invoice approvals and data entry, employees can shift their focus to tasks that require critical thinking and creativity.

The 2024 Yooz Survey: The Cost of Finance’s Paper Dependence reports that a majority of workers fear losing their paper documents (56%) and that paper processes take time away from more strategic work (66%).  

Not only can automation minimize the stress associated with paper management, it can also help teams feel more connected with each other thanks to cross-departmental support as one of the benefits of a digital workplace, on top of sustainability, efficiency, and increased vendor satisfaction.

Lifting Morale, One Process at a Time

Stress in the workplace doesn’t just affect productivity—it impacts team morale. Automation removes the strain of manual workloads, leading to a more relaxed and focused workforce. Employees no longer have to worry about missed deadlines caused by inefficiencies, and teams can work with greater confidence.

Additionally, automated tools enhance transparency and collaboration. The survey reports that 44% of respondents find document retrieval times slow, while another 44% have difficulty finding and keeping track of physical documents. With real-time dashboards and centralized document management platforms, finance teams can stay better aligned. This fosters a positive, team-oriented environment, boosting morale even further.

The Ripple Effect of Happy Employees

When employees are satisfied, the benefits extend far beyond the finance department. A motivated team contributes more meaningfully to company goals, innovates more readily, and stays committed to their roles. Automation doesn’t just make processes faster; it creates a culture of efficiency and satisfaction.

Yooz’s survey findings underscore this point: automation empowers employees to excel, helping businesses thrive in the process. By addressing the pain points of manual tasks, companies can invest in their people as much as their processes.

Final Thoughts

While automation is often associated with bottom-line benefits, its ability to improve employee satisfaction should not be underestimated. With automation tools businesses can transform finance teams into engaged, productive, and motivated contributors.