Digitalization in workplace

By Darie S. Delfino

Today, we live in a world where emerging technologies are part of the global trends, and as a result, digitalization inevitably and rapidly changed everything. Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defined digitalization as the process of transforming things into digital form. The goal of digitalization is to make automation possible, improve data quality, and collect and organize all that data so that we may use cutting-edge technology, including better and more intelligent software. As every industry aims to keep up with the trend, research (insert APA citation, source: https://www.zippia.com/advice/digital-transformation-statistics/) says that by 2023, it is anticipated that global spending on digital transformation will total to $6.8 trillion, but the question is, is it worth it?

According to the Gartner Glossary (insert APA citation, source: https://www.sap.com/insights/digitization-vs-digitalization.html) digitalization is the use of digital technologies to transform a business model and offer new opportunities for generating value and money. Now, 70% of businesses either already have a digital transformation strategy in place or are developing one. (https://www.zippia.com/advice/digital-transformation-statistics/) however, from the same source it was stated that 87% of business leaders believe that digital transformation will disrupt their industry. Businesses are creating digital workplaces more frequently in an effort to enable seamless collaboration between the physical and virtual workplaces. From the website of ISG (https://isg-one.com/articles/top-5-reasons-to-build-a-digital-workplace) they presented top 5 reasons on how important for a workplace to be digitalized. First, through the implementation of a digital workplace strategy it increases flexibility while improving the employee’s experience. Employee content and data are securely integrated into collaboration tools, company drop boxes, and cloud storage so that employees may access data from any device, in any location, at any time, whether they are in a physical office or working remotely. The availability of this data promotes enhanced productivity, organizational flexibility, and efficiency. Second, it optimizes costs. An organization may foster collaboration while cutting costs by creating a digital workplace. By introducing self-help and self-heal solutions that enable users to fix their own difficulties (such as password resets, connectivity issues, or particular program issues), it increases productivity. And by creating deskside assistance models with defined processes and procedures, it avoids the risk of relying too heavily on individual employees’ knowledge. Third, it improves the services and processes. Automation will play a significant role in service and process improvement as more organizations pursue digital transformation. Some businesses have set up “tech bars” nearby or on-site so that staff can stroll in or make an appointment during business hours rather than calling a service desk. Through the use of vending machines and locker stations, a digital workplace can also provide employees with fast, round-the-clock self-service provisioning of end-user devices. Fourth, it improves customer experience, Quality customer service has always required a lot of resources, but digital technology can automate some of the processes, lowering costs and improving performance. Customers may transition smoothly between support channels of engagement (such chat, phone, or bots) as they go along the customer journey thanks to businesses that are investing in digital working environments. Chatbots dominate as a gateway experience to self-service tools and information portals, and virtual assistants are becoming “plug and play.” In many companies, human support is involved only if an automated settlement of a case or enquiry is not possible. In some circumstances, companies may decide to implement a quick transition from automation to a live person for the non-technological or older population. Lastly, it improves executive decision making. Because of the precise insights data can provide, businesses are becoming more data-driven and digital. Organizations are analyzing the data trail utilizing cutting-edge technologies, service desk data analytics engines, performance analytics, dashboards, and machine learning. A digital workplace produces more insightful long-term strategic plans and more valuable insights to enhance immediate executive decision-making. Moreover, the website of Zippia (https://www.zippia.com/advice/digital-transformation-statistics/) shows that the top advantages of implementing a digital model are that it increases operational effectiveness (40%), enables a quicker time to market (36%), and aids in meeting consumer expectations (35%). With the above-mentioned advantages of digitalization in workplace, it also has disadvantages that affects the working environment. In the website of InfinCE (https://www.infince.com/blog/merits-and-demerits-of-digital-workplaces-a-sneak-peak/) one of the disadvantages of digitalization in a workplace is that it increases employee’s dependence on technology. Every area of work is expected to become more dependent on technology, which could be problematic in the long term if there is a server-side problem that reduces productivity. Workflows will also be affected until the problem is fixed if the system crashes. Second, according to Daniel Howard (https://www.openkm.us/blog/pros-and-cons-of-digital-workplace.html) digitalization in a workplace can also lead to loss of interpersonal communication skills. The fact that digitalization increases efficiency and communication throughout the entire business is one of its main benefits. However, the use of interpersonal communication in the workplace has significantly diminished it was all because of digital platforms. Moreover, human interaction is a key component of collaboration, and social networking and partnerships enable many of the most significant inventions. The opportunities for employees to interact physically and build relationships with their coworkers have decreased as a result of the digital workplace. When performing face-to-face tasks like conducting interviews, making presentations, and organizing meetings, it could make staff reliant on technology.

Overall, digitalization is essential for workplaces to be efficient, effective, and productive because how employees communicate, how businesses serve their customers, and ultimately how they conduct business are all being transformed by the digital workplace. A corporation should pursue workplace transformation strategically rather than just as a means of commoditizing services and support in order to save money. Furthermore, a company that can build a digital workplace will see valuable business outcomes with far-reaching impacts.