Steps to Take for Getting Your Startup’s Digital Workplace Right
A solid definition of a digital workplace may be hard to pin down as it varies from each startup to each startup, but ever since the introduction of the Internet decades ago the emerging technologies since then have slowly influenced the way we do business at the workplace. From emails, electronic payrolls and internal systems to the Internet of Things (IoT) and 3D printing technology, the digital workplace of today is a combination of several different pieces of tools and apps designed to enhance performance and efficiency to increase productivity. That’s why getting your digital workplace right for your startup is crucial for success.
You may focus your efforts on researching and buying all the necessary digital tools and software apps to create a digital workplace environment, but the fact of the matter is that you cannot expect that approach alone to be the be-all and end-all solution to your startup’s challenges. How your employees and workers integrate and adapt themselves to the system is just as important if you want to see your digital workplace initiative succeed. Even as digital tools and software are becoming more and more capable and advanced with the latest developments in artificial intelligence technology, your workforce still needs to be properly trained in order to capitalize on these technologies for maximum effectiveness and productivity. By investing more in your employees’ training and bringing them onboard as part of the solution, you will see better and faster returns as a result.
A digital workplace is an effective approach to address the challenges of an increasingly widespread remote work environment in many startups. As employees become more mobile and flexible towards their work, it is vital that you make intelligent technology choices that enable them to collaborate effectively and seamlessly across several different locations and time zones. The rise of many effective digital tools and apps is making remote work a real attractive option for workers, and your startup is no longer restricted by geographical boundaries when recruiting for top talent. If utilized appropriately, remote work can boost both employee performance and productivity for your startup as it promotes a healthy work-life balance that is so valued by many workers nowadays. Consider a balance of flexibility, functionality, accessibility, and security when selecting the appropriate apps and digital tools for your digital workplace. Additionally, be sure to keep the number of tools and apps used to a minimum so as not to overwhelm your employees, as well as for easier management.
Even though a digital workplace can bring many benefits to your startup, nevertheless the adoption of too many tools and apps at once can lead to a situation whereby employees are flooded with incessant notifications, messages, and emails, which can lead to stress and lowered productivity. This kind of ‘tab switching’ is a real menace that unfortunately goes unnoticed by most startups and business organizations. Data silos are the primary culprit in most of these instances; the separation of communication and network channels through multiple platforms and apps, such as formal communication through email and a different messaging app for other forms of discussion, hinders cohesiveness and overall productivity. One approach for overcoming this problem is to adopt a multi-functional platform that seamlessly integrates the operations and functionalities of different tools into a single system, instead of using several different tools and apps. This also lowers costs for your startup as well. As technologies keep innovating, the digital workplace will continue to evolve as well. Assess your startup’s needs, identify the right digital tools and apps, and implement the right framework and structure through an employee-centered approach. The right digital workplace can bring much success to your startup.
