How The Digitalization of Business is Changing The Workplace Forever
Today’s work landscape is almost unrecognizable to that of just 20 or 30 years ago. Just as computers and the internet have changed almost all aspects of modern life, so too they have transformed the workplace and commerce.
From the rise of e-commerce to social media and corporate websites, the internet has been a game-changer in terms of business, affording firms opportunities and market penetration that would have previously been unimaginable in the pre-internet days. Whether you’re just a one-man start-up or a global multinational, it’s almost beyond doubt your company will rely on computers and tech to at least some degree.
Below are just a few ways the ongoing digitalization of commerce is changing (and has changed) the modern workplace.
The Rise of The Machines
For many years, scientists (and, in particular, science fiction writers) have predicted an age where man and machines would coexist. However, it’s only recently that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning have begun delivering on their promises. Today, AI is now nearing a level of creative thought – most certainly more than capable of handling the more mundane and time-consuming tasks that tend to eat into every firm’s day.
Cloud Computing and The Dawn of The Mobile, Remote Workforce
Due largely to considerable advances in device tech, connection speeds and cloud computing, the concept of remote workers is now very much a reality. Where once the idea of working remotely might have seemed rather fanciful, today’s tech can enable employees to work from any location they can find an internet connection.
Cloud tech empowers workers by drawing on the vast resources of remote machines, connected via the web. The digital transformation roadmap might at times seem a slightly daunting prospect but, truth is, this tech exists now and is very much within the budget and capabilities of all businesses – big or small.
Innovation Through Collaboration
Again, linked to cloud computing and better connections, today’s project management software allows staff to work collaboratively on projects, regardless of location, receiving updates in real-time and spawning new ideas and innovations.
Where once collaborative working involved all being in the same place at the same time, modern apps let workers contribute as, where and when they feel at their most creative – yet still being able to stay on top of developments and input from colleagues.
The Death Knell For The Traditional Monday-Friday, 9-5
It’s a proven truth that all people are different and work to a different internal clock. It’s also a well-known fact that some people function better at different times of the day.
By embracing tech, today’s most successful companies are gradually moving away from the confined structure of the fixed working day and week and are instead moving to a more flexible model of working.
The recent emergence of COVID-19 taught us many things – not least of which was, through lockdowns, firms were forced to entrust more responsibility to their employees to govern their working day. While the worst of the virus may be behind us, it’s very likely these apparent short-term adopted habits of working remotely will be with us for many years to come.
