What is a digital workplace?
A digital workplace aims to replicate a traditional office environment where workers can collaborate, communicate and connect through digital applications.
It is a network of varied workplaces that come together to collaborate on projects, and converse in conversation, in a virtual space without geographical restrictions.
Ultimately, a digital workplace streamlines applications and tools so that they can be accessed anywhere at any time. It also embraces technology to maximise performance, productivity, and engagement.
Using innovative technology, such as cloud capabilities and technological advancements, digital workplace strategies enhance the shift in workplace culture and allow businesses across the world to work remotely, flexibly and efficiently.
How are digital workplaces used?
Digital workplaces are used to connect workers and their clients from locations around the world.
In today’s fast-paced business landscape, it’s important that employees can access their entire workflow in one place. As a result, businesses across a diverse range of sectors are championing digital frameworks that are smarter than ever before.
Whether your business embraces remote, hybrid or office-based work models, you can benefit from using a digital workplace platform. By using a digital ecosystem platform, meetings and activities can be carried out virtually to connect small teams of employees to multiple office branches in different towns, cities or even countries.
Why use a digital workplace?
By utilising digital workplace functions, you can increase revenue and reduce business operational costs.
Eliminating overhead costs such as office space and maintenance, furniture and travel expenses, digital workplaces allow your company to save money by creating a virtual, and interactive working environment.
Flexible digital workplace models ensure your employees feel valued, heard and appreciated as they reflect the agile working approach desired by many in this century.
What are the benefits of a digital workplace?
A digital workplace encompasses all aspects of day-to-day business operation. By using digital workplace technologies, you can benefit from optimised communication, improved employee engagement, increased productivity and agile working.
Digital workplaces are easy to implement across your business and are highly customised to suit your company's needs. Introducing a digital workplace environment throughout your business allows ideas, information and knowledge to be shared and discussed while working remotely.
Optimum Flexibility
The ability to adapt quickly is essential for survival and success. A digital workplace gives organisations and their employees significantly more flexibility in all areas of their working life.
For many employees, that means the ability to work from anywhere, on any device, allowing them to achieve a better work-life balance. For businesses, it gives them the flexibility to adapt quickly to times of change or crisis.
Reduced Costs
Digital workplaces can also reduce operational costs.
With the ability to work from anywhere, more people are choosing to work remotely or are taking a hybrid approach. More collaboration is also being done virtually rather than face-to-face. This means businesses are spending less on office space and travel.
Increased Productivity
A digital workplace can help eliminate distractions and streamline working processes, resulting in higher levels of productivity across the business. That means employees can get more done in less time.
Having all the tools and data employees need in one easily-accessible place also increases productivity.
Less time wasted
Digital workplaces can also support the automation of certain manual tasks. This takes time-intensive tasks away from employees, saving time and freeing them up to focus on other parts of their role.
Unified communications
Digital workplaces make it easier to share information, knowledge, and ideas, especially between remote, hybrid, and distributed teams. This helps ensure everyone has equal access to information, wherever they’re based, avoids miscommunications, and creates a culture of inclusion and accountability.
Better innovation
Providing a digital space for colleagues to connect and engage, a digital workplace also encourages employees from different areas and levels of the business to interact with one another. This two-way communication creates an environment in which creativity and innovation can thrive.
Improved employee experience
Although some people may struggle with new technology and resist change, once they get used to it, technology can really heighten your employees’ experience at work.
Providing them with collaborative tools, social profiles and activity feeds to utilise, digital technology can instantly unite a workforce.
Better retention
Attracting and retaining employees can be challenging. A digital workplace can help a business retain valuable employees by improving engagement and their overall employee experience.
And, when it comes to attracting talented employees, a digital workplace shows that the business is committed to a people-first culture, is flexible, and encourages easy communication.
Optimum security
A remote, hybrid or distributed workforce can pose a number of security challenges and risks. However, when they’re working through a digital workplace, advanced, unified security measures can better protect systems and data.
Things to think about when considering a digital workplace
A successful digital workplace must be simple, flexible, open, social, customisable and secure. So, if you’re considering a digital workplace, there are some factors to think about first.
Does your organisation have the tools and processes in place to achieve this?
Can every employee connect to the tools, systems, and information they need, regardless of where they are?
Do you have the protection in place to protect your data and ensure you’re fully compliant with the relevant laws and regulations?
Do employees know how to use digital tools effectively?
Are there processes in place to support employee communication and engagement?
By considering these factors in the early stages, you’ll be able to design a digital workplace strategy that delivers optimum results and can be implemented seamlessly.
Disadvantages of a digital workplace
Digital workplaces require an upfront investment from companies looking to adopt modern digital workplace technology.
Initial costs include platform setup and training for workers, and you will also incur regular maintenance costs such as management and system updates.
A digital workplace involves uploading and sharing data, analytics and business details to a dedicated shared online space. Sharing valuable business details and data online may attract hackers and cause your business to be vulnerable to cyber threats.
Although digital workplaces are a great way to connect people located in different geographical locations, a successful digital workplace requires a reliable and strong internet connection from all participants. However, without a stable connection, workers will be unable to participate and utilise the digital workplace provided.
What is the future of digital workplaces?
Today, there are a whole host of new tools, applications and emerging technologies that will help you to streamline your business processes so that they are smarter, faster and more in line with your needs.
As our working culture develops, businesses and brands are expected to increasingly rely on new technology and digital applications to connect teams from across the globe.
Technology has certainly come a long way since the advent of customer relationship management, email and HR systems.
Businesses can now access highly strategic technology solutions that allow them to deliver an outstanding standard of service and improve employee engagement.
If you’re interested in digital solutions and would like to maximise the potential of your business in an ever-evolving digital landscape, get in touch today.
Why choose CHG-MERIDIAN?
Here at CHG-MERIDIAN, we are specialists in technology solutions and asset finance for IT, Healthcare and Industrial equipment. We'll provide you with access to the latest technology and help you switch to a digital workplace.
Get in touch today to find out how we can help your business to benefit from a digital workplace.