How the Digital Workplace Is Evolving
Author: Jason Wong | 5 min read | June 20, 2018
You could say that the digital workplace started back in the late 70s and 80s, when personal computers changed the workplace forever. There have been many changes since then, but we’re now on the brink of another revolution, as ideas and technologies that are even more powerful are being incorporated into the workplace.
Digital Workplace Concepts Are Evolving
In the beginning, the ability to give individual workers the same level of computing power on their desks that was previously only available in a room full of computers amazed the business world. As time went on, however, everyone quickly grew accustomed to the power of the personal computer. Soon, they wanted more.
Initially, people wanted to start sharing information and resources, which led to the rise of local networks. After that, the internet gave workers the opportunity to tap into information all over the globe. In today’s business environment, workplace concepts are changing again. Gaining and maintaining a competitive edge motivates organizations to implement systems that will accomplish the following types of tasks:
- Making it easy for workers to collaborate with their co-workers, regardless of where in the organization the two people reside.
- Leveraging in-house knowledge and expertise to complete projects more quickly and effectively.
- Eliminating data “silos” to allow for organization-wide access to business information while maintaining security.
- Supporting workers and providing the necessary technology to achieve challenging business goals, reduce costs, and increase revenue and profitability.
Digital Workplace Technology
The technology needed to support the digital workplace will continue to evolve. For now, the technology requirements are clear.
A Single Location to Access the Digital Workplace
Given all of the interconnected technology that is required for the digital office, it’s only logical that there’s a strong need for accessing that technology from one place. User-friendly organization-wide intranets will provide the platform for that access.
Task-Based Architecture & Design
Using a task-based design the users will surface information based on the task they are performing. The navigation structure will support the tasks being executed and move away from the corporate hierarchy.
A Single Source for Business Data
The digital workplace will break down information silos in an organization. Workers are empowered with a powerful enterprise search to locate the information they need to do their jobs. In addition, any discrepancies in duplicate data will be resolved, creating a single and accurate data source.
Collaboration Support Will Be Paramount
Information will be taken out of email mailboxes and will be made accessible to those workers who need it by using an enterprise search. Multiple workers will be able to connect to projects to work together. In addition, the technology will allow workers to find co-workers organization-wide who are qualified to assist on a project or to contribute their expertise to overcome a roadblock.
Digital Workplace Benefits
Many of the benefits of a digital workplace are evident, considering the technology that will support it. For example:
- A single user-friendly intranet portal that drives adoption and make transitioning to the digital office easier.
- A task-based architecture to promote productivity. For example, rather than navigating deep into the corporate structure to find information, information can be surfaced on the homepage of the intranet.
- A single source for data will eliminate not only time trying to find information, but all of the consequences of conflicting data skewing a project’s outcome.
- Supporting collaboration will improve efficiency and effectiveness.
- A central intranet can also be used to create channels to promote employee development. The leaders of tomorrow will more effectively be created today.
- Communication organization-wide will be improved significantly when the digital workplace gives everyone access to news and direction from the top.
Final Thoughts
Another outcome of creating a digital workplace is that employees will feel more engaged and connected to one another and to management. That kind of engagement will certainly help a business grow.
Datavail can offer you a range of services if you’re planning or expanding a digital workplace. We’re experts at assessing requirements, recommending options and building user-friendly hub sites to act as the face of your intranet. For more information, contact us today.
