Understanding the digital workplace
The digital workplace is the virtual, modern version of the traditional workplace. It quickly and securely provides personalised, role-based services, and all the applications, data, and collaboration an employee needs on any device, anytime, anywhere through a consumer-like online experience.
A digital workplace uses the latest in mobility services and digital technology to adapt to the way people work, increasing employee engagement and satisfaction.
Today’s workplace is often now an ‘always online’ environment where the whole organisation communicates and collaborates in new and effective ways. The lines between the physical workspace, work life and personal life are all becoming blurred. The breaking down of the communication wall is what is making us communicate more.
This communication at all times promotes growth, efficiency and innovation. Organisations are gaining a competitive edge through digital transformation and the digital workplace.
There are three trends in particular which have accelerated this change in the last decade:
1. New generation workforce.
Baby boomers do traditionally have a lot of knowledge and experience which is often used to bring on new recruits. As this generation retires, so does that knowledge.
2. Big data.
Information is everywhere and growing at rates we can’t imagine so finding the data you need can become increasingly difficult.
3. Faster, faster.
Employees are now required to work harder and faster than before. Do you remember the tea trolley and mid-afternoon breaks? There is a need to collaborate more effectively to meet deadlines. Internal IT systems have been very effective in this area and the digital transformation of the workplace is just the next step.
A digital workplace consists of a holistic set of platforms, tools and environments for work delivered in a usable, coherent and productive way. This definition gives focus on the experience of the employee or the individual as well as the environment in which they work.
There are many reasons organisations are now moving to a digital workplace. Consider the benefits of a digital workplace – according to Deloitte:
1. Attracting talent.
64% of employees would choose a lower paying job if they could work away from the office.
2. Employee productivity.
Organisations with strong online social networks are 7% more productive compared to organisations without.
3. Employee satisfaction.
Organisations that rolled out and installed social media tools internally found that there was a 20% increase in employee satisfaction.
4. Retention of employees.
When employee engagement goes up, there is a corresponding increase in employee retention of up to 78%.
5. Communication and collaboration tools.
Present day workers prefer newer communication and collaboration tools specifically instant messaging as compared to “traditional” tools like e-mail.
If you would like to assess your current digital transformation stage or wish to discuss the innovative tools available, then please contact us on 020 7605 7890.
