The continuous evolution of technology is changing the way do business, the dynamics of the workplace and what we perceive is possible. Here are six ways in which technology is transforming that environment.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Figure 1: Sample of collaboration tools that are being used in the workplace (Source: ICT Pulse)<\/p><\/div>\n
3. Resourcing<\/strong>. Separate and apart from the impact technology has been having on productivity, it is also changing the way businesses are resourced. Two key examples of this are<\/p>\n
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cloud computing, which allows a broad range of resources, such as software applications, hardware and infrastructure requirements, such as storage and processing power, to be accessed online, and<\/li>\n
outsourcing, where, thanks to technology, companies can devolve or delegate different aspects of their business to either affiliate or third parties, but still remain connected and have critical inputs to processes that have remained in-house.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
These two examples highlight the changing view on how operating resources are deployed and managed, and more importantly where such activities occur \u2013 e.g.. online, offsite and even offshore. Organisations are becoming increasingly hesitant to absorb large upfront (especially capital) costs for facilities and services that might also have high operating costs, but for which more cost effectively, but reliable alternatives exist. Hence business models have been changing on the basis that it is no longer necessary for the supply of many of those needs to be resident in-house; but they must be accessible as and when required, which current technology does facilitate.<\/p>\n
4. Interaction and participation<\/strong>. This point is readily evident through the impact of social media in business. In addition to the providing organisations with another platform for marketing and promotion, and to disseminate information, social media offers consumers and the public a large, a voice. Many organisations are beginning to capitalise on the opportunities to secure feedback on their products and services, and even to use the collaborative environment that technology now fosters for crowdsourcing<\/a><\/em><\/strong> initiatives, such as crowdcreation, crowdvoting and even crowdwisdom.<\/p>\n
5. Cost management<\/strong>. Invariably, increasing competition is fostering an ever-growing need to manage cost and streamline operations. Management is continually being asked to get the most \u201cbang for the buck\u201d, and in these trying economic times, to control spending and realise savings. Once again, technology is providing cost-effective alternatives, such expertise\/labour and computing resource outsourcing, and also with respect to in-house solutions that can improve the efficiency, productivity and performance of the individual employee, and ultimately, that of the organisation.<\/p>\n
6. Efficiency and optimisation<\/strong>. Finally, this point is a natural, but very important consequence of many of the earlier points, since there is a greater thrust towards organisations becoming more streamlined. Traditionally, one of the greatest challenges that businesses have faced is that although they might be very clear about what their core objectives might be, considerable attention \u2013 financing, manpower, management, etc. \u2013 had be given to supporting activities and processes to the core business. However, thanks to technology, companies have more options through which to reallocate their efforts towards critical processes and functions that they must manage, thereby increasing productivity and outputs.<\/p>\n
Are there any other important\u00a0 ways in which technology is changing the workplace that have not been captured in this post? Do share in the comment box below.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
Image courtesy of Mal_irl<\/a>, flickr<\/em><\/p>\n
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