Innovations in technology have been transforming our lives even before COVID-19, especially during the pandemic. Companies and industries have taken a drastic leap towards increasingly digital processes. Similarly, consumers and employees have become more open to going online.
With a world that is rapidly becoming more and more digital, it is safe to say that the future is now. This means that rejecting these changes only leaves individuals and organizations behind.
Businesses, in particular, reap numerous benefits from the digital transformation. They will see upgrades in onsite systems, improvements in operations, and an increase in efficiency when properly applied.
Building the Smart Workplace
Simply put, the smart workplace makes good use of digital tools to maximize work efficiency and productivity. Many technologies that create this kind of workplace are already within reach of companies today.
Onsite Technologies
The physical building of an organization reveals much about its current position in digital adoption. If a workplace is to stay at par with the changing demands of the future, it should not neglect onsite innovations that ultimately play a role in employee productivity and satisfaction.
First and foremost, businesses should have up-to-date security measures in place to protect its people and other assets. Today, commercial security system providers can install the latest technologies that provide ample surveillance for your business premises. Door access control is now also possible, limiting employee entry to rooms and floors without the need for bulky locks.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, smart solutions such as sensor-activated tools in restrooms and common areas have also become the norm. Contactless temperature checks and disinfection systems are another fixture smart workplaces must have.
Virtual Collaborative Spaces
Your workplace does not only exist in its physical area anymore. Digitization has made online spaces a vital factor in streamlining how teammates interact and work together.
Many of these collaborative tools are already being used by various businesses due to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. Video conferencing tools such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams are a standard today for regroups and client meetings while maintaining physical distancing.
Cloud computing services are the backbone of a productive remote workforce. The cloud gives employees quick access to documents and other company information that they need while working from home. It also provides opportunities to collaborate on projects and store files for safekeeping in real time.
Conference call tools and cloud services are then backed up by project management software, which acts primarily as a virtual bulletin board for employees to keep track of tasks and other responsibilities. When these technologies are combined for regular use, they give way for teams to maximize their time, whether remote or onsite.
A Change in Hiring and Job Practices
In addition to the changes in workplace operations, human resource departments will also experience a change in managing both employees and applicants. Employees themselves will also see a change in work expectations.
Digital Screening Process
The candidate screening process does not just involve a resumé and a couple of references anymore. Many HR teams have also begun using social media to find work-related information about potential hirees.
Job search websites have also simplified the process of finding talents for full-time employment, part-time work, and one-off jobs. There are websites that are particularly for freelancers, while other platforms use filters to enable both job seekers and employers to find work or candidates with appropriate qualifications.
Back in May 2020, 84% of recruiters made the shift to remote hiring. Hiring processes during the pandemic have also proven that physical job interviews are not always necessary for finding the right people for the job.
Different Job Descriptions
More and more work that used to be manual is also turning to automation. While this means that some jobs are becoming obsolete in the process, it has also been opening up brand-new employment opportunities.
Automation and artificial intelligence are changing the needs of businesses and what skills employers want from candidates. While robots work efficiently without the risk of exhaustion or sickness, they also do not possess creativity that humans have. Humans will remain a necessary part of the workforce to manage automated systems and other tasks that require critical thinking.
Digital Is the Standard
Gone are the days when digital technologies were merely advantages to businesses. They are essentials that propel businesses forward, keeping them competitive in the transforming landscape. By applying relevant technologies, your business becomes more equipped to adapt to changes that the world continues to face as it steps forward from the pandemic.
