Things are well underway in 2020, and while people are expecting some wonders in flying cars and other similar types of technology, significant advances are being made in different fields, including the workforce. Even though some of these breakthroughs have been around for quite some time, they’re progressively being used in new and exciting ways. On the other hand, the latest and next-gen tools have already replaced or on the verge of replacing old or outdated technology.
There’s a tremendous shift in the way we work, and, unsurprisingly, technology is playing a significant role in it and is gaining momentum. New and advanced technologies have rapidly changed the way individuals think about their work and work techniques, subsequently transforming the organizational policies, communication styles, and workflow patterns of the majority of today’s workplaces.
Smart spaces and smart technologies are setting a standard for intelligent offices. This trend — escalating rapidly in the workplace — is given a boost with the inclusion of certain elements such as new methods and services with different devices. Conference rooms have utilized the concept of smart everything very well, as a part of identity access management.
The concept is to make smart workplaces and living environments using automation and digital transformation. Additionally, by including a set of elements and tools to improve space efficiencies at different levels, such as regulating public spaces, communication, personalization, and security in the workplace without meddling with privacy or organizational policies.
Over the past several years, technology in the workplace has transformed considerably, and the traditional office environment is no longer commonplace. Rapid technological advancements have replaced it, thereby allowing employees to interact and cooperate globally and even take work out on the road.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence (AI) has been around for decades now. The advances of AI have brought unprecedented levels of benefits to the gaming environment. It’s one of the primary impetuses behind modern video gaming and interactive applications. Video games have changed the face of today’s smartphones.
Despite the novel breakthroughs, AI isn’t without controversy. A majority of today’s workforce believes that AI and robotics will likely replace humans for many traditional jobs, just as humans and horses were replaced by innovative farming equipment during the industrial revolution. Others consider next-gen AI as a significant gain to efficiency and productivity in the workplace. However, the reality will likely stand somewhere in between, with AI-driven systems and robots replacing some entry-level roles. In the wake of these changes, individuals will still be needed to interact with these AI-driven systems for better efficiency.
Machine Learning
Just like AI, and used together with highly advanced AI systems, machine learning (ML) is an application of AI that describes the ability of a computer to understand and learn new things. This includes its capabilities to deliver faster performance and more efficiency with time.
Humans have already likely benefitted from machine learning. Smartphones and smart home appliances have leveraged the power of ML to learn new things and are becoming better at preserving power or battery life. At workplaces, heavy-equipped machines can learn new tasks on the assembly line, perform new jobs that require responsibility and scope, as well as include new safety standards.
5G Technology
5G has come of age and already transformed the way many businesses operate. 5G has enabled opportunities for several businesses, including manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, aviation, retail, and even agriculture. Organizations and enterprises are still gearing up with the full capabilities of this next-gen mobile technology.
5G has brought great improvements in performance, reliability, and speed to mobile usage. However, any new technology is met with some skepticism. The hesitation is valid at this moment since the technology is new, but the early movers and staying up-to-date will prove to enterprises that the opportunity for 5G is real and profound. Only time will give answers to how 5G will benefit the mobile workforce. Implementation of the 5G network has improved the overall digital experience on all levels.
Workforce Mobility
Since 5G has become widespread and gained a lot of popularity, today’s average employee is now more likely to prefer a smartphone than ever before. As a result, the majority of workplaces are embracing mobility. Business leaders are using web-based content management systems (CMS), online spreadsheets, and social media to stay connected to their employees and monitor daily productivity.
Increased Digitization
Digitalization not only has a massive impact on businesses on large but also on the work environment. This holds true both in and outside the modern workforce. The majority of this can be accountable to the increasing demand for smartphones; however, it isn’t the only factor at play. Everything we use has been digitized. Interactive and engaging websites are replacing magazines, newspapers, and journals; email blasts have replaced traditional newsletters, and last but not least, marketing campaigns focus primarily on web-based demographics.
All of this transformation is having a massive impact on the modern workforce in unique and exciting ways. Not only are more employers offering remote working opportunities, but also some work models depend entirely on the web to succeed. Be that as it may, tech-savvy professionals who prefer working remotely will be in high demand in the months and years to come.
The Bottom Line
Undoubtedly, every work environment needs some technology solutions to excel and succeed. Given the huge investments in time and resources required, businesses must choose and finally deploy the technology solutions that are best for their business models and will give profitable returns. The best way to select a particular tech-savvy solution is to look across your organization, focus on your organizational needs, and identify the solution(s) that will address the problems most effectively.
Similar to the various aspects of our lives, technology will have a significant impact on the work environment, its employees, and its practices for the time ahead. It’s crucial to find new ways to employ technology trends in your workplace, and that doesn’t necessarily mean that you should grab the “shiniest” new technology unless it can answer your business needs and gives profitable ROI.