The classic idea of work was once offices full of cubicle rows, water cooler conversations, and filing cabinets with mountains of paper. The way we work has shifted away from that rapidly, forging a whole new world with it. Meetings, conversations, and collaborations that were once in person now take place digitally. Technology continues to advance, changing how and where we work.
While these changes have been slowly creeping up on us for a long time, many companies were forced to adopt remote technology overnight to stay afloat during the pandemic. What was initially done out of necessity soon became the expectation. It became clear that many of the roles that were once in-office could be done remotely.
Below, we’ll explore how new workplace technologies are reshaping the office environment.
Video Conferencing Technologies Improve Efficiency
Video conferencing has been available for a long time, but it was not accessible to all until fairly recently. In the past, audio and video quality was low, making this a less desirable option than in-person meetings. Now, upgrades to hardware and software have given us the ability to hold teleconferences that feel very similar to in-person meetings.
This is especially useful for teams that are constantly expanding or have a global reach. Whether you need video conferencing equipment for large rooms to accommodate a substantial team or something simpler for one-on-one video conferences, there is a device perfect for your needs. Now, every team member can be in a meeting no matter where they are at the moment.
Without the need for travel, organizations can save time, money, and effort. Because of these changes, work environments are becoming more cohesive and collaborative than ever before.
Employee Monitoring Tools Boost Productivity
As remote work continues to reshape the way businesses are operated, employee monitoring tools have become increasingly widespread. With these tools, companies can keep track of things like keystrokes, the amount of time it takes to complete a task, and how employees are using apps. While many employers will state that these tools are purely to boost productivity, they do raise some privacy concerns.
These tools can assist companies in determining how employees are allocating their time, helping project managers monitor project status and make adjustments as needed. However, if they are not used correctly, these tools have the potential to be detrimental to employees’ work environments.
Workers may feel distrust in the company, which can create anxiety. Organizations need to communicate openly about using these tools, explaining why they’re using them and addressing employee concerns. By doing this, companies can make their employees feel more comfortable.
Project Management Tools Promote Teamwork
With project management software such as Google Suite and Microsoft Teams, organizations can better schedule and coordinate project tasks. Team members can chat, work on documents simultaneously, and share files, making the modern workflow more seamless than ever.
In the past, communication between different departments in a company was more complicated. Now, it’s as simple as sending a chat message. These tools create an environment where teamwork is encouraged and easily achieved.
Additionally, project management software has very advanced integrative capabilities. These tools are created to work well with other software and services that enhance their abilities. For instance, by connecting the appropriate tools, you can automate parts of your workflow, saving time that would be spent working on simple tasks and giving you more time to focus on what’s important.
The Future of Work is Here
Modern technologies have significantly changed the way we work. The future of work is no longer an abstract concept; it is already here. Workplace technologies will continue to evolve, further shaping the nature of office work. Businesses must adopt new workplace technologies to increase efficiency and stay competitive in a saturated market.
While some companies have been slow to embrace the modern era of work, doing so can boost productivity and cut costs. Enhanced collaboration, greater efficiency and time management, and opportunities to connect with team members across the globe make the now—and the future—of work more exciting than ever.