When you are integrating technology into your workplace, you may find yourself facing difficulties that you might not have considered before implementing the use of new tools or systems. While you may have the best intentions when it comes to work efficiency and the ease with which your staff can operate, it is crucial to the success of your business that every member of your team is on board with any changes that are taking place. Learn more about bringing new technology into your workspace from Sumner Furniture & Design below. Contact our team for information about our corporate office design and furnishing services today!
Integrating Technology Into the Workplace
Do Your Research
Before making any drastic changes to the technology that you use at your company, make sure that you have done extensive research and testing beforehand. When it comes to new hardware and software, early adopters are the ones who end up discovering bugs the hard way, leading to a decrease in productivity and efficiency. This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t take a chance with integrating new tech in your workplace — just be sure that you are prepared in the event that something goes wrong. Also, you must consider the cost of any new technology that you introduce to your employees. Software companies that offer their programs for free to general consumers might charge a significant amount of money for a business to license it for use.
Customizable Workspaces
One of the modern qualities that prospective employees look for in a start-up is a unique and customizable workspace. As technology advances, it becomes increasingly integral to the foundation of a personalized and comfortable work environment for your staff, regardless of your industry. Technological advancements don’t necessarily have to come in the form of new programs and gadgets. For jobs that require staff to sit at a computer for long periods of time, adjustable desks and chairs can help make their day easier and drive your employees’ productivity while increasing their satisfaction with their position.
Consider Various Perspectives
Not everyone is able to immediately adapt to changes in their workplace, especially when it comes to the introduction of new technology. A diverse staff ideally contains employees of different ages, backgrounds, and abilities. It is important to take everyone’s perspective into account when you are introducing new systems, instruments, and processes. If one of your staff members has been with the company for a long time, it can be quite jarring for things to suddenly change. If you notice that someone on your team is having a particularly difficult time with the implementation of new tech, be there for them and do what you can to help coach them.
The Risks
No matter how confident you may be in a new program or instrument, you still face a number of potential risks when integrating it into your and your employees’ workflow. As previously mentioned, new technology can be difficult for some of your team members to get used to, especially if they have been with your company for a long period of time and are set in their ways. Cybersecurity is also a major concern in every industry. Every program that your staff uses during their workday can be an avenue for phishers or hackers to access sensitive information about your business. A concern that has come to the forefront in recent years is employees’ inability to “unplug” after work. Almost everyone carries a phone with them and has access to the internet at all times. While this is a phenomenal resource in one regard, it also means that employers have immediate access to their team members at all times. Even if it isn’t abused, the implication that you are always “on the clock” can lead to worker burnout in a hurry. This can also lead to a breach of privacy lines between businesses and their team members.
The Benefits
While there is a lot to consider when it comes to introducing new technology into your business, the benefits can be enormous. In any industry, modern tech can help streamline processes so that your staff can work more efficiently. If your employees are getting more done in an efficient manner, they are likely to be more satisfied with their productivity and, ultimately, their job as a whole. Implementing new technology in your company also allows you to better serve your customers which will lead to more consistent business and profit in the long run. One final positive when it comes to modern tech in the workplace is that it can generally help reduce overhead costs associated with outdated and inefficient instruments, equipment, and programs.
New technology benefits businesses of all kinds. With that said, integrating it into your workplace is a delicate process that requires careful consideration, an understanding of your employees and their abilities, and patience while they get used to new systems and equipment. If you are looking to upgrade the furniture at your company in Virginia, be sure that you are working with a full-service, reliable, and professional business. Contact Sumner Furniture & Design for more information about how we can assist you today!