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9 Benefits of a digital workplace

The digital workplace has really existed for some time now. Wireless broadband connectivity has become, in recent years, reliable and widespread enough that the issue of access to business tools and applications is no longer an issue.

For years, companies have been shifting to digital workplaces. The pandemic was just the extra push that forced everyone to embrace it.

Advances in cloud computing technology have put large amounts of data at employees’ fingertips, making access to data simpler, faster, and more reliable. Automation frees workers to perform tasks that can’t be programmed.

And that’s just the beginning. In this chapter, we take a closer look at 9 big advantages of the digital workplace.

9 advantages of a digital workplace

1. Anywhere collaboration

Employees who work everywhere need to be able to come together to complete and maintain projects seamlessly.

Fortunately, the digital workplace allows for anywhere collaboration, staying in touch with one another and completing projects despite being geographically disconnected.

Cloud computing and cloud data storage allow information to be available on-demand, wherever people are working. Communication, both internal and external, can take place instantly thanks to streamlined data distribution and connectivity. Secured connections keep data and employees safe, while the simplification of the data storage process allows workflow to continue moving steadily forward.

2. Improved customer satisfaction

Despite the pandemic, customers still have high expectations.
 
With the right tools, you can ensure the best customer service — even if your people are working remotely. Companies have found success using a combination of automated employee training, self-service websites, and plain-and-simple human connection.
 
Cloud computing and document management allows for instant access to all documents, speeding response as employees spend less time pulling customer data.
 
Automated assistance networks assist customers quickly and efficiently, while improved, intuitive self-service options give customers more control over processes that affect them directly.

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3. Remote work options

It’s no secret that remote work has reshaped workforces around the world. It has also reshaped employees’ lives in big ways. Many employees report preferring remote work to traditional physical-office work.
 
Working remotely eliminates long commutes and time spent in traffic. Employees have found they can spend more time on important non-work matters, often this translates into more quality family time. And employees who are comfortable report a better overall sense of being, which is reflected in their work.

4. A more agile workforce

Digital increases agility. Companies with well-established digital workspaces find it easier to adapt when the unexpected happens.

The digital workplace enables employees to communicate quickly — almost instantly — which means that problems can be solved in real-time, and across great distances, creating opportunities for agile collaboration, client satisfaction, and revenue.

5. Improved productivity

Companies that take the time to develop strong, scalable digital workplace models see major gains in productivity.
 
Remote and hybrid work contribute heavily to that. Flexible work models increase employee commitment, and employees who feel invested in a company’s success work harder to attain it.
 
Plus, the digital workplace leverages machine learning technology to automate menial tasks that had once required a human hand. Automated technology processes data and documents at an extraordinarily fast rate and communicates it instantly by uploading it to the cloud. This puts data right into the hands of employees, who can thereby work faster and more productively.

6. Recruit high quality talent

Every employer searches for ideal employees. In a traditional geo-centric office environment, employers are restricted to hiring only in certain areas. Even multi-location companies can feel like they’re missing out on great candidates, being geographically restricted to office locales.

But remote and hybrid work models allow employers to hire talent from all over the country – or even the world. “Borderless” workforces make it possible to reach more talent in more places.

Connectivity with employees working around the world would be difficult without the right digital communication tools. 

7. Reduced operational costs

A digital workplace simply doesn’t require the hardware and supplies — paper, toner, office maintenance equipment, etc. — that in-office work does. It also eliminates the centralized office, real estate and its associated utility costs. The result? Significant reductions in operational costs (OPEX).

8. Increased revenue

By decreasing operational costs, a company can see a rise in revenue. Add to that the increased productivity that results and the digital workspace proves capable of regularly meeting – and often exceeding – business goals.

9. Increased connection among employees

Some have feared that the digital workspace will drive a stake into the heart of company culture and alienate employees — from both one another and the company generally. 
 
But digital workers report greater personal and professional satisfaction and are likely to stay with a company that offers work-life flexibility. (And isn’t employee retention always a concern?)
 
Companies that keep employees content and engaged is futureproofing itself preemptively. If you don’t have to worry about attrition, you can begin confidently setting growth goals.

Why choose a digital workplace?

These are only a handful of the benefits to the digital workplace – employees are happier and more productive; operational costs are reduced, and revenue is increased; customers are more satisfied, work is more efficient and less wasteful, and company culture gets a major boost despite the physical distance between co-workers. 
 
Here’s another advantage of a digital, virtual workplace – it’s the future and is here now.  
 

Have questions about your digital workplace strategy? Our workplace professionals can help.

Contact us

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