This post is part of G2's 2023 digital trends series. Read more about G2’s perspective on digital transformation trends in an introduction from Emily Malis Greathouse, director, market research, and additional coverage on trends identified by G2’s analysts.
Corporate downsizing will force organizations to consider automating the software testing process
Prediction
Many organizations are making the difficult decision to slow hiring and even lay off employees. Companies will look to adopt test automation software to help keep the software testing process moving, despite having fewer employees.
Turbulent times in tech
Heading into 2023, it is clear that the tech industry is in the midst of some significant challenges. Economic concerns like inflation and a potentially strong recession are top of mind with leaders across industries. This, combined with the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain struggles, make this an uncertain time to lead an organization. After considering their options, many CEOs and leadership figures have decided to downsize their workforce and freeze hiring.
As organizations look to reduce their size, they will still need to find a way to keep the company running. Many companies will likely turn to automation to help keep the business running. Software testing efforts will be no exception to this, which will likely lead to increased investment in automation testing software. Test automation software, which automates the software testing process, can help keep businesses afloat and aid staff in getting key work done with fewer team members.
G2 data shows efficiency is the top driver for automation testing software
Over one-fourth of G2 reviewers listed “efficiency” as their top business priority improved by automation testing software. Companies will need to be more efficient in IT processes, including software testing, to offset employee turnover. Automation testing aids workers in automating otherwise manual tasks, such as executing tests and running outcome reports. This saves workers time, allowing them to focus on more technical, highly specialized work.

When looking at reviews left on G2, the theme of efficiency becomes even more apparent. One reviewer notes that:
Automation testing tools “helped improve their processes and outcomes significantly.”
Another reviewer pointed out a tool that went as far as saying that after adopting automation testing, they saw a “12:1” increase in efficiency when it came to automating test cases. These are just a few reviews highlighting test automation's impact in the workplace.
The future of automation in software testing
As economic and political pressures continue to impact corporations negatively, organizations will continue to feel the pressure to downsize their organizations. This will lead to employees needing additional resources to do their jobs, which is where automation testing and other forms of automation come into play. As advancements continue to be made in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, 2023 may just be the tip of the iceberg for automation in the workplace.
Edited by Shanti S Nair