Digital technologies are beginning to transform the modern workplace, and rightly so. As it stands, a digital workplace is critically important for business success.

The latest research studies estimate that organizations are expected to spend around $35-80 billion on workplace-related technologies over the next few years. 75% of organizations are also increasing their spending on workforce communication tools in the coming years. This means that the global market for the digital workplace will surge 4x by the year 2032.

All these statistics auger well for the future of the digital workplace. But how is the digital workplace possible? Through a collection of connected workplace technologies.

Along with the growth of computing speed, digital technologies enable employees to work remotely on their devices. Digital workplace solutions improve remote access to business applications, which can lead to reduced employee attrition.

 

5 Technologies That Are Transforming the Workplace

According to Gartner, 30% of organizations will gain a competitive advantage from their employees’ ability to leverage digital technologies. Further, Gartner has identified technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to drive the success of the digital workplace.

Along those lines, here are the five leading digital technologies that are reshaping the modern workplace:

 

1. Cloud Computing

60% of companies plan to adopt cloud computing over the next 18 months. The global market for cloud-powered SaaS applications is worth around $170 billion in 2022. This market has grown by over 500% in the last seven years.

During the 2020 global pandemic, many organizations realized the importance of cloud computing tools and platforms for their “hybrid” workplace model. Cloud technologies enable unified communication, which facilitates remote workforce management. In addition to storing and sharing information, the cloud enables real-time collaboration and communication.

The cloud-enabled digital workplace facilitates employee communication using videos, voice messages, and instant messaging, along with file and screen sharing. With the ubiquitous cloud, employees can now use their devices for work daily.

 

2. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI and deep learning technologies have emerged as a “game changer” in the digital workplace. As AI solutions streamline business functions, employees spend more time upskilling and focusing on complex problem-solving. Effectively, AI technology has improved employee engagement and made their work more fulfilling.

When integrated with machine learning, AI solutions automate business processes and perform repetitive and complicated tasks. For instance, AI-enabled chatbots and virtual assistants are performing routine tasks previously performed by human resources.

A while back, Matthew Cain of Gartner said that while “only 4% of Gartner clients are using chatbots in their workplace, 40% of them intend to implement them in the near term.”

 

3. Process Automation

Process automation is not the same as AI and has a wider scope in the digital workplace. Automation is all about adopting new technologies that can reduce dependence on human resources or manual processes. Effectively, process automation can benefit enterprises by:

  • Improving the efficiency of their business processes
  • Lowering costs
  • Reducing human errors

Among the types of process automation technologies available, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) can elevate operational efficiency in the digital workplace. It can automate time-consuming and repetitive tasks like data entry and installing applications.

As the latest industry trend, low-code process automation ensures faster product development (while requiring limited technical knowledge). A Gartner study found that 65% of application development by 2024 will adopt the low-code approach.

 

4. Business Intelligence (BI)

The latest DWG study found that the digital workplace requires knowledge of Business Intelligence (BI). For organizations, BI technology enables them to:

  • Understand how employees are using the digital workplace
  • Understand their employee’s needs
  • Articulate the overall value of the digital workplace

Technology companies like Microsoft and Avanade support the value of BI in the modern digital workplace. As a digital technology, BI is optimizing the cost of using data in the digital workplace. For instance, BI tools can measure the usage of collaboration tools like MS Teams using various metrics.

More than simply the number of installations, BI tools can measure:

  • How the MS Teams application is being used
  • How employees are adapting to new ways of working in the digital workplace
  • Employee productivity using improved data insights

 

5. Collaboration Tools

The digital workplace is transforming the way employees work and collaborate in a distributed environment. Collaboration tools are:

  • Enabling real-time communication among distributed teams
  • Facilitating collaborative work between employees from different locations across the globe
  • Keeping remote employees engaged using group chats, webinars, and one-to-one messaging

Previously, organizations facilitated collaboration with tools like MS Office, local drives, instant messaging, and email clients. Cloud-based SaaS tools and platforms now dominate the “new” workplace by enabling smart & virtual meetings and efficient work management.

According to this Deloitte report, companies are also creating “on-demand” teams (comprising innovators and technical experts) from all over the globe. Through collaboration, these teams are delivering business agility to their organizations.

Conclusion

In recent years, more organizations have realized the potential of digital transformation and the digital workplace. However, organizations find it challenging to hire the right skills for the digital workplace. With the great resignation trend, there has been a mass exodus of skilled workers from the workplace.

In this workplace environment, organizations can achieve a digital workplace only through managed services and by partnering with technology companies. As a technology partner, Trinus enables the digital workplace with a range of services, including cloud engineering, AI-based solutions, and business intelligence. Through our technical skills and resources, companies can overcome their skills shortage and implement the digital workplace of the future.

Are you looking for a technology partner to help you implement the digital workplace? We can help you out. Contact us now.