In today’s business climate, technology and productivity go hand in hand. Many advanced solutions are offered in the market to enhance employee engagement and performance.
That said, here are three of the biggest technologies set to change workplace productivity in the new decade.
Cloud computing
Cloud computing lets you access files and applications from anywhere, as long as you’re connected to the internet. This means employees can work anytime and anywhere they want to. This can help businesses save resources and significantly increase productivity.
Since all essential files are stored in a single digital location, employees don’t have to waste time transferring large documents from one device to another. Remote cloud servers provide almost unlimited bandwidth and storage space, which lets businesses scale up faster. This also removes the need to acquire equipment and upgrades in-house.
Cloud-based networks are also low on maintenance. Since they don’t rely on hardware, they’re less likely to experience lags or breakdowns. Usually, the vendors will resolve any issues such as version upgrades or glitches in the software. This minimizes website downtime and loss of productivity.
Companies can take advantage of fast and cost-effective disaster recovery and backup solutions by storing data in the cloud. All stored data is mirrored across the servers, so even if one server fails, everything is automatically backed up.
Additionally, cloud-based networks allow seamless collaboration between departments. Employees in various locations can freely communicate and share documents with just a few clicks. For instance, ServiceNow’s project management software offers a proactive approach from project initiation to closure. Tasks can be deployed, ranked, and assigned to multiple users, who are then notified. Progress and updates are visually plotted for easy task tracking and adjustments. This helps streamline processes and get more work done in less time.
Internet of things
The internet of things (IoT) refers to the network of devices connected to the internet to collect and exchange data with each other. Devices may include phones, sensors, lights, cars, and even household appliances like refrigerators or smart TVs.
IoT devices are designed to collect huge amounts of data, making it particularly useful for businesses. Data can then be harnessed to refine daily operations and speed up processes. For example, companies can leverage IoT to control the smart sensors in their buildings and maximize office space. Through IoT, managers can check when certain rooms are mostly occupied and use this information to schedule meetings efficiently.
Many companies are starting to invest in hands-free devices such as smart speakers and voice-enabled applications. These devices enable employees to communicate with virtual assistants and accomplish tasks in the shortest possible time. These smart devices also reduce the need for repetitive tasks so that employees can focus on high-priority assignments.
IoT is also empowering manufacturing companies by optimizing inventory and equipment tracking. Smart sensors can detect equipment breakdowns in real-time, allowing key personnel to resolve issues quickly before they cause more damage.
IoT can also be particularly useful for fleet management. Business owners can leverage this technology to determine where delivery vehicles are currently located, when they will arrive at their destination, and whether they require maintenance.
Advanced communication platforms
Miscommunication between teams can translate to costly errors. Fortunately, several programs in the market allow employees to coordinate with each other any time of the day. Platforms such as Slack, Google Drive, and Skype enable users to set up virtual meetings and online chat rooms for different departments. They come with certain features such as webcam, voice chat, document sharing, and even screen sharing to make meetings more productive.
These messaging programs don’t just enable real-time conversations but also create archives of interactions, making it easier to document and access essential information anytime. Communication platforms also provide transparency amongst employees, reducing instances of duplicate work and speeding up project completion. Additionally, these programs allow effective remote work as employees can share thoughts and ideas from various parts of the world, saving valuable time and travel costs.
Real-time messaging enables team members to stay aligned throughout the day. Instead of scheduling a team meeting to address a question or issue, team leaders can reach out to the rest of the team via chat streams. This way, information is easily shared without disrupting everyone’s workflow and wasting precious time.
Prioritizing productivity growth is crucial to any business as it does not just improve the bottom line but also boosts employee morale. It creates a sense of pride and accomplishment among employees, which then improves retention and results in a more valuable workforce. Investing in the right technologies, therefore, will help secure your company’s long-term growth.
