I was rather shocked when I read this editorial.

When Steve said he often gets told by IT workers that if they automate too much, they'll become redundant, that got me thinking. By deliberately retaining inefficiencies so as to continue to receive money, they're effectively defrauding the company.

A number of times, I have introduced more efficient processes that have ended up with either reduced headcount or, more often, an increase in capacity without the need for extra recruiting. If I or others like me didn't do that, the company as a whole would suffer, increasing the risk to all the employees instead of the few. I don't know how I could square it with my conscience if I were prepared to do that to others but not to myself. No, if a company could do without me, I shouldn't be working there.