The arrival of new technologies has transformed many aspects of our lives, including the way we work. In the business world in particular, these technologies have the potential to change the way employees interact with each other, as well as the way businesses manage their people.
However, innovation should not come at the expense of people: many companies are discovering that the use of new digital tools can promote human relationships, rather than weakening them, provided that their implementation is supported.
In this article, you'll find a few examples of how new technologies can help improve work lives.
1. Effective communication
Teamwork is a fundamental business parameter, but it can be difficult to maintain effective communication between employees, especially with remote work.
New technologies such as instant messaging applications, collaboration platforms, and corporate social networks can help improve communication between employees regardless of geographic location.
This encourages the exchange of ideas, collaboration, rapid decision-making, and real-time problem solving. Instant messaging applications such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, or WhatsApp therefore allow instant communication between team members, and the sharing of important information in real time.
Collaboration platforms such as Google Drive, OneDrive or Dropbox allow several members of a team to work on the same document at the same time or asynchronously, and to collaborate effectively on a common project.
Finally, corporate social networks, such as Workplace by Facebook or Yammer, can help employees stay up to date with the latest company news and share ideas and feedback with other team members. It also makes it possible to promote internal communication for the teams whose job it is.
2. Flexibility
Remote working is becoming more and more common, with the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating the trend. Digital tools like video conferencing platforms, file sharing applications, and project management software can help employees work effectively remotely, without sacrificing the quality of their work.
This increased flexibility can also help employees better balance their professional and personal life.
Video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, or Skype allow employees to meet virtually regardless of geographic location. File sharing applications like WeTransfer, Dropbox, or Google Drive give them the ability to easily share important documents no matter where they are.
Finally, project management software such as Asana, Trello, or Monday.com are useful for monitoring the progress of projects in real time and for collaborating online.
All this contributes to greater flexibility and autonomy in work, a key criterion of attractiveness and a pillar of the employer brand.
3. Training and skills development
New technologies also promote the development of employee skills.
Online training platforms, tutorials, and skills development programs can help employees learn independently and acquire new strategic business skills.
This can help employees stay motivated, feel valued, and advance in their careers.
Players such as Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning or OpenClassrooms therefore allow employees to train independently, regardless of their geographical location or schedule.
Online tutorials, webinars, and podcasts also build employee skills on topics that matter to them.
Additionally, skills development programs, such as Skillsoft or Udacity, can help employees advance their careers and prepare for new opportunities.
4. Improving the user experience
These innovations also have the positive consequence of helping businesses improve the employee experience.
For example, chatbots and virtual assistants automate routine tasks, such as managing time off and expense reports, allowing employees to focus on more important tasks.
In conclusion, new technologies can and should be used by companies to promote people and to give them back a central place in the way they work.
By using these tools strategically, businesses can improve communication, flexibility, skill development, and user experience for their employees. This creates a more fulfilling work environment where employees feel valued, motivated, and committed.
