Transitioning to a Digital Workplace

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Steve Thompson

September 21, 2021

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Thanks to the cloud, the workplace has moved progressively in a digital direction over the past few decades. Digital transformation is an emerging business trend that involves investing in technology that supports real-time data sharing. The goal of transitioning to a digital workplace is to create a more efficient and sustainable operation. Here are important issues involved with building a digital workplace.

Reasons for Digital Transformation‍

Woman working on a laptop

Going digital is the future, so many companies are now transitioning to a more digital workplace. Here are some of the top reasons for going more digital:

  1. Digital workspace takes up less physical office space
  2. Going digital is eco-friendly because it allows for remote work to replace commutes
  3. Email and other electronic tech cuts costs on B2B communication
  4. Moving to the cloud allows for remote work and a 24/7 business
  5. Automation software can replace redundant and dangerous human tasks
  6. Employees can be more productive and loyal using their own computing devices
  7. Cost-cutting of cloud services empowers enterprises to improve productivity

There are several other reasons to go more digital, but the bottom line is that it helps cut costs and waste. A well-designed business infrastructure that integrates with intelligent technology maximizes the benefits of digital transformation.

But a business must first establish a digital transition strategy to make a digital ecosystem work effectively. Many executives now realize that choosing the right digital technology can stimulate revenue growth.

Establishing Relevant Metrics‍

The foundation of the digital workplace is data, and the systems used to create and move it. Collecting data on a system for analysis plays a significant role in why a digital workplace is more efficient than a traditional workplace.

With the right platform, a business manager can monitor various real-time data on operational performance. From there, management can detect and resolve vulnerabilities and inefficiencies quickly.

Part of planning a digital transition strategy is to prioritize the metrics that define an operation's success. By integrating a workplace with IoT sensors, analysts can get instant reports on the data that matters most to the company. This ability to tap into real-time information is beneficial for warehouses that store volumes of inventory.

Investing in Useful Technology‍

CRM Dashboard

Nearly any business can benefit from investing in business software designed for its industry to improve organization and efficiency. Customer Relationship Management(CRM) software is a popular choice for businesses that sell directly to consumers.

A CRM platform lets your firm build profiles on customers to learn their purchasing history and interests in the brand. CRM platforms have helped personalize and accelerate the sales process.

Digital Workspace Tools

  1. Virtual assistant apps such as Google Assistant
  2. Messaging platforms such as Slack
  3. Collaboration platforms such as Microsoft SharePoint

Working With IT Experts‍

Businesses can gain an edge over competitors by outsourcing to a team of IT specialists who can resolve technical problems quickly and provide helpful advice on technology solutions. Working with experienced IT technicians who keep up with the latest cybersecurity info is a solid strategic and defensive move.

An IT team can save a business time and money by offering solutions to operational problems. Automation, for example, is an ideal solution when there's a labor shortage or the budget calls for leaner labor costs. Various typical office functions can be automated through cloud services. It's helpful to explore multiple cloud solutions as options before transitioning to a digital workplace.

An IT consultant can be very influential in taking a business to its next level by providing expertise for transitioning to a digital workplace. A third-party IT firm can test cloud software for a company and recommend solutions for increasing productivity.

Establish Cybersecurity Policies‍

Shield with a laptop

A business transitioning to a digital workplace must take cybersecurity very seriously since cybercriminals have increasingly targeted businesses of all sizes. Specific industries, such as healthcare organizations, must comply with federal regulations to protect customers’ privacy.

Every business needs to establish cybersecurity policies that determine how employees use the company's digital resources. Here are examples of guidelines a company can set for its staff:

  1. Blacklist certain websites due to illegal content or security threats
  2. Restrict access to certain digital assets to approved members
  3. Prohibit employees from accessing personal email or social media accounts at work
  4. Require multi-factor authentication for account access

Whether a business works with a 24/7 IT help desk or has its own in-house IT team, it must be prepared to respond to unexpected events. An IT team can help develop a data backup and disaster recovery plan for the company. This plan lays out the company’s steps in a natural disaster, power outage, or cybersecurity breach.

Aiming for Smart Infrastructure‍

man holding a eco-friendly lightbulb

Transitioning to a digital workplace can begin with an existing infrastructure or a startup starting from scratch. Either way, an important goal for achieving sustainability in the future is to evolve toward an infrastructure that supports innovative technology. The infrastructure of your company should be flexible enough to accommodate the integration of new technology.

In an ideal digital world, an intelligent building powered by renewable energy houses the infrastructure for a digital workplace that occurs primarily in cyberspace. This model defines a sustainable business ecosystem ready for the future. Using the best intelligent security system for business protects physical assets, while multi-layered cybersecurity protects digital assets.

The smart building includes the digital security cameras the company uses to monitor its physical property.  Members using their smartphones can further monitor the temperature of a room and shut off lights remotely.

More work occurs in cyberspace rather than at the physical office, the less space the office needs to occupy. An IT team can advise a business on making the most efficient use of physical office space and digital storage space.

Many businesses would not exist today if it weren't for remote work. 64 percent of today's workers said in a Deloitte study they would instead take a lower-paying job if it allowed for working outside the office. The cloud allows a business to set a work schedule of assignments that members can check and complete from home.

Facilitating Digital Collaboration‍

Digital Cloud

Another critical dimension in transitioning to a digital workplace is to create a digital environment that allows for remote collaboration. With the cloud, it's possible to make a team of collaborators from all over the world. In this sense, the cloud allows for broader company diversity. It erases social and geographic boundaries.

Online collaboration is an excellent way for a team to work together without spending money on transportation. It allows for members to connect through company webinars and training sessions. Video conferencing has proven to be an effective alternative to face-to-face group meetings. Digital communication, in general, is a powerful solution for team brainstorming and bringing a team together.

Conclusion‍

The process of transitioning to a digital workplace takes strategic planning and investment in the right technology. Contact our experts to learn more about how e-marketing can help your small business grow.

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