How organisations are reinventing the workplace experience
The workplace experience is undergoing a reinvention as employers recognise the importance of collaboration among employees. Collaborative efforts foster innovation, relationship building, productivity, and company culture – aspects that were previously overlooked during remote working due to the pandemic.
Before the pandemic, the workplace was considered the norm for achieving these goals. However, the shift towards remote and hybrid work caused many companies to adapt quickly and embrace the unknown. While working from home has benefits such as increased flexibility and reduced commuting time, some businesses find that it’s not the right fit for their culture and goals. As a result, they are turning to the latest collaboration technology to encourage people to return to the office.
In-person teams tend to perform better than remote or mixed teams, particularly when there are new members on the team. Thus, companies that bring back their employees to work in the office regularly will see significant benefits for their business and employees. Industry data suggests that many people agree with this, as there is a substantial increase in employee attendance and collaboration in the workplace. Although technology like Teams, Slack and other productivity apps are useful, they cannot fully substitute for the value of in-person interactions.
Even though there may be disagreements, everyone agrees that the success of a business depends on its people. The workplace is the ideal place to bring people together to solve problems, collaborate, ideate, celebrate successes, and get work done.
Businesses are increasingly adopting hybrid working models that allow employees to work from home part-time and come into the office for the rest. Collaboration technology plays a vital role in creating a hybrid workplace that enables employees to stay connected and productive regardless of their location. This approach allows companies to reap the benefits of remote work and in-person collaboration.
To ensure the safety and productivity of employees returning to the office, businesses are using various tools such as room booking systems, digital lockers, and unified communications.
Room booking systems allow teams to book meeting rooms and other spaces in advance, ensuring availability when needed. These solutions also help facilities managers book cleaners after spaces have been used, reducing the risk of infection. Moreover, some booking systems allow employees to scan QR codes or send requests through mobile apps, making the booking process more efficient and user-friendly. By implementing a room booking system, businesses can help their employees get the most out of the office while ensuring everyone stays safe and healthy.
Digital lockers provide a secure and contactless way for employees to store their personal belongings, reducing the risk of infection and theft. With digital lockers, employees can access their belongings using a unique code or mobile app, eliminating the need for keys or touchscreens. Additionally, digital lockers can help businesses streamline operations and improve productivity; with features like real-time tracking and customisation options, digital lockers offer a convenient and flexible storage solution for businesses of all sizes.
Unified communications platforms bring together various communication tools, such as instant messaging, voice and video conferencing, and email, into a single integrated interface, making it easier for employees to stay in touch, collaborate, and share information regardless of their location. They provide a consistent user experience across devices, making it easier for employees to switch between workstations, laptops, and mobile devices. By implementing unified communications, businesses can improve productivity, reduce costs, and enhance employee experience.
In conclusion, technology is playing an increasingly crucial role in shaping the future of business as we return to work post-pandemic. Collaboration technology, such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Slack, has revolutionised the way we communicate and work together, making it easier for employees to stay connected and productive whether they are working remotely or in the office. Hybrid working is becoming more popular, allowing businesses to reap the benefits of remote work and in-person collaboration. Room booking systems, digital lockers, and unified communications are essential tools for keeping employees safe and productive as they return to the office. As the workplace continues to evolve, businesses will increasingly rely on technology to create a safer, more productive, and more flexible working environment for their employees.
For all your hybrid workplace and audio-visual requirements, contact the transACT Digital Workplace team at av@transactts.co.uk