According to a 2017 survey, firms and businesses all over the world use an average of 16 SaaS applications in their day to day operations. In 2020, the number has obviously risen as more and more businesses are pushing towards a digital workplace. Around the world, 95% of firms agree that a digital workplace is very important. However, it is shocking to see that only 38% of all firms have taken any steps to implement digital workplace services at all.
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, many businesses have been forced to start remote operations – even if they were reticent towards doing so in the beginning. Since an increasing number of workers are now looking for remote or WFH opportunities, it is extremely important to create a thriving digital workspace. As part of an overall digital transformation strategy, the implementation of a functional workspace should be the most important task currently. Here’s an enumeration of digital workplaces in the 21st century.
What Exactly Is a Digital Workplace?
To put it quite simply, a digital workplace is a virtual replication of a physical workplace. All of your major business applications, databases, processes, etc. are integrated into one virtual platform. The founding principles of such a workplace are collaboration and integration. It is a centralized platform where all of your employees will be able to function as a single cohesive unit. Such workplaces enhance productivity by allowing employees a greater level of flexibility.
Properties of a Digital Workplace
A digital workplace should be a centralized platform that can be easily accessed and operated by all of the employees in the organization. The workplace you set up should make it easy for colleagues to collaborate and work together. It should also be compatible with your existing infrastructure so that you do not incur large costs. It should also provide a level of cloud access so that your team can be updated on the move.
1. Provide a Collaborative Environment: If you want your employees and colleagues to do well, then you have to foster an environment of collaboration and teamwork. A digital workplace can do this very well, since it provides employees with all the tools that they need to be productive. Using these tools, your colleagues will be able to communicate and collaborate with each other in a very efficient way. The key is to provide your team with space for effective ideation.
2. Allows Remote Working and Efficiency: In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is very important to provide employees with a high level of flexibility. Remote working allows you to continue your work efficiently without compromising on the safety and well being of your workers. Surveys have shown that 90% of workers want to continue working remotely for the rest of their lives. By implementing a digital workplace, you will be able to increase the level of employee satisfaction also.
3. Effective Cost Management Practices: Infrastructure automation will also allow you to save a significant amount of money. If you switch to a digital workplace, then you will not have to incur any fixed costs in the form of office space, utilities and more. All you need to do is get the right SaaS applications for your team, which can then be installed and used properly by all the members. Freeing up costs will also allow you to perform better.
4. Increases Accountability and Productivity: In the physical workplace, it is not at all easy for team leaders to keep track of what their team members are doing. In a digital workplace, it is much easier for team leaders to keep track of their team members’ activity. This level of increased accountability motivates team members to be more effective at their tasks. A digital workplace is a good way for all your team members to be on the same page.
5. Enhanced Customer Service Experience: If you set up a digital workplace, then you will be able to empower your team members to be more efficient and effective. These changes will translate into enhanced customer service as well, as a lower level of stress will let your team be stronger brand advocates as well. This will result in your employees caring more and they will be able to provide a higher level of customer service in a very consistent manner.
All of these business benefits are very much within your reach. By setting up a digital workplace and investing in digital workplace services, you will be able to expand and enhance the workings of your organization. It will meet all the needs of your firm and will also result in a higher level of business value. The sooner you bring about the changes to your structure, the sooner you can start enjoying the benefits of implementing a digital workplace service.
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