The Modern Workplace may not mean game rooms or nap pods, but rather a flexible and supportive work environment that prioritizes the needs of employees. This means accommodating things like unexpected doctors’ appointments, childcare and family time.
It also includes collaboration applications and mobility solutions that are compatible with all devices. Plus, using one software provider means updates are regular and streamlined.
1. Collaboration
With the proliferation of remote work and globalization of business, it’s more important than ever to be able to collaborate across teams. Being a good collaborator means communicating effectively with people in different time zones and cultures, working across organizational silos to ensure everyone is on the same page, and sharing resources to gain new insights and knowledge.
To do this, employees need tools that enable them to work flexibly and efficiently. Communication solutions allow employees to communicate with one another and stay in the loop on projects through instant group or one-on-one chat. Video conferencing software makes it easy to hold meetings with coworkers in any location. Moreover, tools like these provide enterprise-level security and compliance to protect the privacy of employee data. These tools can be used in conjunction with a flexible work policy. That allows employees to create hybrid and remote schedules as they please. By taking this approach, businesses can ensure their employees are happy and productive at the same time.
2. Mobility
Modern digital workplace tools enable employees to work anywhere. This is particularly important for younger generations. Who have grown up in a world of seamless communication and are used to working on-the-go.
This trend requires organizations to have a well-planned, flexible IT infrastructure in place to ensure that employees can access and use the latest collaboration, productivity and communication applications from wherever they are. This includes enabling them to access the data they need when away from the office, facilitating remote and hybrid working and empowering team members with self-service tools to manage their own devices.
Smart wireless power solutions allow employees to charge their mobile device at work without the need for a dedicated desk. When an employee places their mobile phone on a charging spot in a meeting room this can trigger various efficiencies such as turning the lights on, showing the room as occupied and initiating conferencing software to start. This helps to create a more productive environment.
3. Automation
Modern workplace technologies are designed to encourage a high-level of productivity and employee engagement. These advanced tools are regularly improved and developed to keep up with rapidly evolving technology trends.
Workplace automation refers to using technology to automate business processes, functions and tasks. This includes technologies like workflow automation, robotic process automation (RPA), low-code application platforms and artificial intelligence.
While many fear automation will eliminate jobs, research shows that robots will work alongside people in many occupations and may actually free up more time for human workers to perform other activities, such as focusing on customer service or managing others. Historically, successive technological revolutions have always resulted in transition periods with some short-term workforce disruption. However, despite some short-term job loss. New opportunities have always been created as well. In fact, if the right tools are implemented correctly. Automation can help create more fulfilling, meaningful and flexible work. It just requires the right mindset and the proper training to leverage these tools.
4. Security
Keeping employees safe is a must in today’s workplace. A great modern work experience can be ruined with one security breach.
Employees that don’t feel secure at the office are less productive. A modern digital workspace can provide a safe and flexible environment with tools for working anywhere.
A modern workspace can also help to reduce time spent on manual tasks through automation. This frees up staff to focus on more important work.
It can also help to boost collaboration and morale through flexible working options. These include meeting room booking systems to save the four hours each week that most employees spend on prepping for meetings, smart displays in conference rooms to allow users to book spaces and share calendars easily and quickly and chat and communication apps to encourage more face-to-face time.