Technology has taken hold of most every part of our existence. Indeed, most people have reached the point where they cannot envision a day without using these applications. We live in a digital world where spending quality, productive time without these useful tools is nearly impossible. As technology has advanced, employees in every organization and industry have begun to approach their work from a new perspective. However, a key question arises: does technology help us be more productive at work or merely waste more of our time.
Hundreds of new technologies and tools have been developed throughout the years to help us be more effective. They claim to improve the efficiency of our enterprises by saving us time on the tasks we find mundane, turning our attention to those we find beneficial and ultimately helping us get more done every day.
Technology has impacted almost every aspect of our lives. In fact, we can't picture a day without our electronics, which can include anything from our smartphones to our laptops.
Accessibility
24/7 access is now feasible thanks to technological advancements. This 24-hour window allows companies to more freely communicate at any time and from any location. Employers can provide assistance to their employees, answer their questions and address their issues at any time.
Communication
We can contact anyone, no matter where they are, thanks to modern tools. Organizations that are expanding worldwide understand the value of communication since, as their growth demonstrates, helpful relationships can be found everywhere in the world. There are numerous digital solutions that enable people to communicate more easily. For example, using Wi-Fi allows for simple communication via messaging and voice or video calling. Companies can enhance output without restriction when quick communication is allowed.
Securing sensitive data
In today's digital age, the handling of sensitive data is a major priority for financial institutions and businesses. Organizations that collect data must exercise extreme caution since data loss might result in a massive setback. If the company stores data on a hard disk or a USB, it may be subject to viruses, malware and hacking. Digital tools have instead made it possible for businesses to securely store this data. Google Drive, Dropbox and Amazon Drive are examples of platforms that can be used to both store data and scale up over time.
Increased Productivity
The utilization of technology in your organization will greatly help your employees. It will increase their productivity and thus strengthen their satisfaction in carrying out their responsibilities. As a result, they will become more productive and, arguably, more dedicated in the long run.
When your employees provide better and higher productivity, your company can look to increase sales and revenue margins. Profits will become the norm for your company, allowing you to compensate your employees for their impact through well-deserved raises. Satisfied employees become long-term employees, saving you money on turnover in the end.
Some Negative Effects of Digital Tools on Work Productivity
Not every automated device is a blessing. Though we can communicate with others without limitation due to our mobile phones, this can be a hindrance in the workplace. Nowadays, almost everyone can easily access apps like Instagram and Twitter that distract them from their work. People are constantly tempted to open their phones to see what's new or otherwise engage with friends throughout the day. Companies must stay on guard and institute effective policies to limit such distraction.
As the majority of firms rely on some form of digital technology to execute effectively, they become dependent on a stable and strong internet connection. If such strength and stability are not maintained, efficiency will suffer immediately. Simply put, nowadays, effectiveness and innovation go hand in hand.
Technology Fatigue
Many today think that, for better or worse, technology has shaped how we work and live, and the constant connectivity it provides means we're always engaged, whether with our friends, on social media and the internet, or with our work. However, this may unfortunately be harming our capacity to concentrate, as many of us are finding it difficult to switch off. Technology, notably its propensity to keep us always “on,” may thus be having a detrimental impact on our work-life balance.
While technology has indeed provided enormous benefits to businesses and their employees, there is definitely a need to find the right blend. Flexible workspaces and dedicated tech-free zones, which help workers separate working hours from non-working time and reduce subsequent distractions, are just two of the answers to these potential problems. Employers must stay committed to a workplace that is productive for the company while remaining both healthy and satisfying to those it employs.
