We are truly in the digital era: digital transformation, digital workplaces, digital marketing, and more. The digital workplace is an ever-growing ecosystem challenging traditional workplace norms and can encompass various tools. No, the digital workplace is not just about being able to work remotely, but the plethora of digital devices at the fingertips of companies and employees, shifting the workforce into a focus on digital collaboration. Yes, we’ve probably said “digital” at least ten times in this introduction. Today, our logistics software specialists discuss the digital workplace, how companies are implementing a digital workplace, and what this means for the future of the international workforce. 

What Are the Components of the Digital Workplace?

After the pandemic began, there was a massive shift to working remotely due to safety concerns. Since then, this has become normal, and for those who have returned to the office, there is a distinct difference in how we see “normal” work. A physical desk is no longer the only workspace available. Instead, companies have encouraged collaboration through building design, hot-desking, hybrid work, and more to promote more robust employee communication. Between 2020 and 2024, the global investment in digital transformation will almost double, which means creating a digital workplace is imperative to keep your company ahead of the curve. 

So, what are the components of the digital workplace? While each industry and business will have unique digital workplace applications, Hewlett Packard says five basic components are included within a digital workplace model: communication, security, storage, analytics, and management. Let’s break these down. 

Communication

While this may seem direct, communication is changing within the digital workplace. No longer are employees strictly using email to communicate with one another but are collaborating in real-time through several platforms. This includes communication platforms such as Slack, Google Chat, or Microsoft Teams, as well as video platforms like Zoom. The saying “communication is key” holds true, seeing as close to 30% of employees cite poor communication as the reason for not being able to deliver work on time, according to a 2022 Expert Market study. 

Improving communication within your workplace will not only lead to an increase in productivity but a happier employee base as well. When employees have access to various communication tools, teams can work efficiently to complete tasks. These tools can be used in any business area, including FM. With our software, Intra, we prioritize communication by providing configurable fields for our workflows, allowing employees to provide clear instructions or updates in real-time to ensure that tasks are completed correctly. 

Security

Unless you’re living under a rock, you know that cybersecurity is a primary concern for all workforce industries using technology. Did you know that, on average, only 5% of companies’ folders are adequately protected? Data breaches can be catastrophic to a workplace, with the average cost of a breach coming in at $2.24 million in 2021. When implementing a digital workplace, prioritizing security in all technology tools is a must. With Intra, we use secure coding guidelines, development modeling, and more to ensure that company data remains protected. We also stay current with compliance guidelines for the industries we serve so that we can guide your team through any security changes that may arise.

Storage

Storage for the digital workplace is unique but can make a massive difference in the efficiency of your business. Many businesses beginning the digital transformation process come from a workplace that relies heavily on paper or has minimal cloud storage. Companies switching to digital document management can save up to $40k per year, significantly reducing costs that can be used for additional technology investments. Our Document Services Workgroup was created to eliminate these pain points by managing print requests, minimizing job costs, and creating a secure system for uploading print jobs. 

Outside of traditional documents, Intra allows companies to combine multiple point solutions into one platform. This minimizes the number of duplicate files through each point solution and enhances your ability to gather data through integrations. Finally, combining point solutions and seeking digital storage improves your team’s sustainability efforts, minimizing your paper trail and energy spent running various applications. 

Analytics

Yes, we’re back once again talking about the importance of analytics! Analytics are no longer just metrics sent in a monthly report but elements driving company strategy and success. Companies with CEOs that spearhead data-driven decisions are 77% more likely to achieve business goals and almost 60% more likely to drive actionable insights. Data is an incredible tool to help you identify gaps, streamline goals, and create an actionable strategy to drive your company toward success. 

For the digital workplace, data is non-negotiable. This includes data on business success, such as KPIs and SLA agreements, as well as customer and employee feedback. Understand which services or products are skyrocketing, how teams like marketing, sales, and operations are playing a role in this success or stagnation, and where you can pivot to improve conversions. From an employee standpoint, gaining data on meeting room usage, hot-desking, and visitor tracking can help you identify ways to maximize efficiency within your facility and ensure that employees are provided with everything they need for a successful in-office position. 

Management

Last but certainly not least, one of the major components of the digital workplace is improved management. This can encompass a wide variety of areas, but concerning facilities management, investing in digital tools can assist with creating a supremely effective environment. Consider this, you are an office, asset, or mailroom manager with minimal technology, and documents are scattered all over various, non-secure platforms such as Google Drive, email, and more. It can be extremely frustrating to manage your files, your team’s current task load, and any requests coming in. A digital workplace provides a streamlined way to manage, communicate, and grow with your team. Investing in a digital workplace is investing in your customers, employees, and future business growth.

See How SCLogic Can Improve Your Digital Workplace

If you are amid the digital transformation process or even just researching your options, there are seemingly endless new additions and possibilities for your workplace. There is no doubt that the modern workplace is changing, and it’s our job to help guide you through these changes confidently. We have spent decades working with Fortune 500 companies, universities, healthcare facilities, and more, listening to their unique needs and creating a platform guided by efficient, secure solutions. If you are ready to maximize your digital workplace, email [email protected] or schedule a demo with our team today.