Remote work among Canadian employees has increased from 7% to 20%.This enormous shift has made the benefits of technology in the workplace obvious. However, whether your team works remotely or not, modern technology is required for any modern workplace.
“No office in 2024 can function without technology. Employees and business owners alike have mixed feelings about that. If we change our mindset about workplace technology as being to our benefit instead of a requirement, the attitudes among users will change significantly.” – Ryan Locking, Vice President and COO of CAUSMX Technologies.
Usually, the biggest challenges related to technology in workplaces are related to costs and rapid updates. IT infrastructure can be expensive and it can seem like a waste if that infrastructure quickly becomes obsolete.
That’s why our list of 7 key benefits of workplace technology will be written with those two challenges in mind. Each section of this blog will explore how you can take advantage of that key benefit while controlling cost and change.
Keeping your technological tools up-to-date is an essential part of your cybersecurity strategy. 60% of data breaches originate from outdated security measures on outdated IT tools. Preventing that many potential cyber risks is as simple as installing software updates when your software tool prompts it.
Many people hesitate to install updates because they disrupt their workflow or they fear new updates might introduce bugs. You can schedule updates during off-hours to avoid interruptions. Additionally, backing up your data before an update can alleviate concerns about losing important information.
Workplace technology automates repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on higher-value activities. This increase in productivity can lead to increased profits over time which can offset the initial costs of implementing technology solutions.
You can also opt for software and services with pay-as-you-go models to avoid large upfront investments. Plus, scalable, cloud-based solutions can reduce the impact of potential obsolescence.
Miscommunication is one of the biggest barriers to employee productivity. Choosing the right communication tools for your business needs can mitigate this challenge, which in turn can increase corporate performance by 30-50%.
To manage costs and rapid technological changes, choose cloud-based platforms that receive automatic updates and require little in-house maintenance. This approach keeps your systems current without significant additional costs.
Worldwide spending on data security has reached a cumulative $81.6 billion, says CloudSecureTech. While security systems can be costly, the financial implications of data incidents usually far outweigh these initial investments. To mitigate costs and adapt to rapidly evolving threats, implement a robust cybersecurity framework that uses subscription-based security services.
Leveraging data through advanced real-time analytics can provide insights that drive strategic business decisions. Utilize cloud-based analytics services that provide insights without the need for heavy upfront investments in hardware. These services often update automatically.
Effective technology tools for resource management, such as project management software, help optimize the use of organizational resources.
To manage costs and adapt to technology changes, opt for tools that are updated automatically and can be customized to your needs. This allows you to pay only for the features you use and easily scale as your business grows.
Technology enables businesses to provide personalized and efficient customer service. This can lead to increased customer loyalty and revenue. Invest in CRM systems that offer modular upgrades or services that can be tailored over time. This allows for incremental improvements without the need for complete system overhauls.
Innovative technology can foster an environment that encourages creativity. For instance, using collaborative platforms and ideation software can help capture and develop ideas across the organization.
Here are some examples of tools that can promote innovation.
| Tool | Primary Function | Innovation Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Collaborative Platforms | Facilitates real-time communication and seamless collaboration across locations and time zones. | Promotes diverse input and cross-functional perspectives. |
| Ideation Software | Provides a structured digital space for brainstorming, organizing, and refining ideas. | Accelerates the creative process by enabling continuous idea development and collaboration. |
| Project Management Tools | Helps plan, track, and manage projects, ensuring all initiatives stay on track. | Ensures that innovative concepts are executed and don't get lost in the process. |
| Digital Whiteboards | Provides a visual, interactive tool for sketching ideas, diagrams, and workflows. | Enhances visual thinking and fosters collaborative refinement of complex ideas. |
| Feedback Tools | Collects and organizes input from stakeholders to enhance the development process. | Supports iterative improvements, helping fine-tune ideas through continuous feedback. |
To limit costs and keep technology up-to-date, choose platforms that offer tiered services and regular updates. This ensures you have access to the latest features that stimulate creativity without substantial recurrent investments.
The importance of technology in the workplace cannot be overstated. Yet, it’s not always easy to implement the right tools on time and within budget. Seeking help from IT consultants is one way to streamline your technology usage while controlling costs.
Reach out to us today to find out how we can help you!
