Making tech work for you — not the other way around

Businesses live in a digital world. Technology has helped them grow and transformed the way they operate. As organisations progress on their digital journey, the gap between engaging and unengaging work environments expands.

It is important not to get lost in technology, and instead to keep employees as the central focus of the workplace. Organisations need to ensure all aspects of the technology within the business are engaging and updated for employees, especially when facing a tech skills shortage.

Organisations cannot afford IT neglection

The shift in workplace arrangements has introduced many new applications and technologies in order to adapt to the new way of working. Many businesses frantically adopted a wide range of services to withstand the challenges of remote working which, despite a short-term gain, provided more challenges in maintaining all applications. GoTo found 76% of IT workers believe their workload has increased within the last two years, while 38% of Australian organisations have not updated their IT support in the same time period.

When facing increased pressures and stress, it is important that IT teams are provided with high-quality tools to carry out operations. Failure to provide this leads to disengagement from employees and hinders business success. Organisations cannot approach technology with a set-and-forget approach, and it becomes pivotal for IT employees’ engagement that technology is constantly updated and adapted to suit changing needs.

This becomes especially important during digital transformation, where the need for business continuity rises to an all-time high. Employees are increasingly faced with interruptions out of their control, and must be able to stay productive and secure. Regardless of whether transport issues stop someone from getting to the office, bad weather causes Wi-Fi dropouts at home or an IT issue causes access to a server to be denied, businesses and IT teams must have the right technology in place. This technology needs to keep employees secure, connected and assisted no matter the complication they face.

While unplanned daily challenges remain a prominent focus for IT teams, day-to-day issues will not disappear, so IT employees need to be equipped with technology that addresses all aspects of support across a business while still being easy to manage. When IT teams are provided with technology that helps them remain engaged, it creates a ripple effect of engagement. Employees are able to operate efficiently and engage with minimal technological issues, and quick incident response times, enhancing the overall cyber hygiene of the business.

Ensuring technology supports employees through downturns

Concerns of a recession loom, as GoTo and OnePoll found 79% of Australian businesses believe one will occur in the next six months. Furthermore, 70% are nervous about the state of their business if this eventuates, with the same percentage of respondents stating they’re actively preparing for an economic downturn. Businesses need to ensure they are taking the necessary steps to mitigate the impact that economic uncertainty will have on their employees.

Technology is vital to business and employee engagement through a recession. 84% of businesses believe that making sure employee devices are working properly is a necessity in being prepared for future issues, which coincides with the fact that 71% of employers are now updating employee devices at least annually. When businesses implement the right technology for employees, they create a higher-quality work environment and help employees remain the focus of the organisation regardless of external challenges.

Consolidation is key to engagement

To reduce the complications and challenges that arise with balancing a wide range of applications, organisations should look to consolidate their tech stack. A consolidated all-in-one solution provides employees with the necessary applications and functions needed to run a business, but on a singular interface that is easy to use and navigate. This more efficient platform helps employees remain more productive and in turn remain engaged. By utilising cloud communications, meetings, messaging, remote access and support, and ticketing through one vendor, organisations can save on licensing, while harmonising operations for staff.

Consolidation also provides a cost-effective solution through the worsening economic climate. GoTo found 24% of Australian businesses are looking to consolidate their tech to fewer providers to help offset budget limitations. Reducing friction between the technology, business users and employees ensures staff are remaining at the core of operations, and their work isn’t hindered by the need to have a range of technological solutions.

As workplaces continue to evolve, and new solutions impact how they operate, it is integral that employees remain the focus of the organisation. Businesses need to ensure that the technology being used is enhancing the way employees work and engage, and not creating further barriers. All aspects of the workforce need to be evaluated, especially in the face of challenges like rising cyber threats and worsening economic conditions. Finding solutions that reduce friction between employees and technology will be vital for business success and keeping employees at the centre of operations.

Image credit: iStock.com/SARINYAPINNGAM