Will Robots Take Your Job? Understanding Automation in the Office

Level: Intermediate • Date: April 12, 2025

Read the article aloud on your own or repeat each paragraph after your tutor.

Why Office Work Is Changing

Technology is changing fast, and many office workers are wondering: will automation replace me? From scheduling tools to AI writing assistants, more companies are using technology to do tasks once done by humans. But is this the end of the office job? Not exactly.

Experts say that while some tasks are being automated, many jobs are simply changing. Instead of losing their positions, workers are being asked to do more creative, complex, and people-focused work. Automation is doing the boring stuff—like data entry or checking documents—so humans can focus on decision-making and teamwork.

One recent study showed that 40% of companies have increased automation since 2020. But only 12% of jobs were fully replaced. In most cases, people kept their jobs and learned new skills to adapt.

So what does this mean for you? It means that learning how to work with technology is more important than ever. Instead of fighting it, professionals should find ways to use these tools to become faster, smarter, and more valuable at work.

In the end, robots may be coming to the office—but they’re not coming for your whole job. They’re coming to help.

Key Vocabulary for Talking About Automation

Automation (noun) – the use of machines or software to do tasks. Automation can save companies time and money.
Task (noun) – a piece of work to be done. She completed all her tasks before lunch.
Replace (verb) – to take the place of something. The new machine replaced two workers.
Adapt (verb) – to change to fit new conditions. Workers must adapt to new technology.
Decision-making (noun) – choosing between options. Good decision-making is key to leadership.
Teamwork (noun) – working well with others. Teamwork helps projects succeed.
Valuable (adjective) – useful or important. Her skills made her a valuable employee.
Creative (adjective) – involving imagination or new ideas. Creative thinking is hard for machines.
Boring (adjective) – not interesting or exciting. He wanted to stop doing boring tasks.
Expert (noun) – someone with special knowledge. Experts say the future of work is changing.

Discussion Questions About the Article

What is automation, and how is it used in offices?
Are most jobs being replaced by machines?
What kinds of work are humans still doing?
How can workers adapt to new technology?
What is the main message of the article?

Discussion Questions About the Topic

Have you used any tools that help automate your work?
What tasks at your job do you wish could be automated?
Do you think automation makes jobs easier or harder?
What skills do you think are most important in the future?
How does your company prepare workers for change?

Suggested Phrase: “Roll with the punches”

Meaning: To adapt to difficult or changing situations.
How it applies: In a world of fast technology changes, workers must learn to roll with the punches.

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