The digital workplace has really existed for some time now. Wireless connectivity has become, in recent years, reliable and widespread enough that the issue of access to business tools and applications is no longer an issue.
For years, organizations have been shifting to digital workplaces. The pandemic was just the extra push that forced many organizations to embrace it.
Advances in cloud computing technology have put large amounts of data at employees’ fingertips, making access to data simpler, faster, and more reliable. Automation frees employees to perform tasks that can’t be programmed.
And that’s just the beginning. In this article, we take a closer look at the key advantages of enabling a digital workplace.

Anywhere collaboration

Employees who work remotely from any location need to be able to come together to complete and manage projects seamlessly.
Fortunately, digital workplace solutions like Smart Rooms and interactive flat panel displays (IFPD) allow hybrid employees to easily connect and collaborate on projects despite being geographically disconnected.
Cloud infrastructure services also allow information to be available on-demand, wherever people are working. Communication, both internal and external can take place instantly thanks to streamlined data distribution and connectivity. Secured connections keep data and employees safe, while the simplification of the data storage process allows workflows to continue moving steadily forward.

Improved customer satisfaction

Customers’ needs and expectations are constantly evolving.
With the right digital tools, you can deliver great customer service — even if your people are working remotely. Organizations have found success using a combination of automating key workflows, self-service websites and plain-and-simple human connection.
Cloud computing and document management allow for instant access to critical documents, speeding response as employees spend less time pulling customer data.
Automated assistance networks assist customers quickly and efficiently. While improved, intuitive self-service options give customers more control over processes that affect them directly.

Better employee wellbeing

It’s no secret that remote work has reshaped the workforce and many employees report preferring remote work to traditional in-office work.1
Working remotely eliminates long commutes and time spent in traffic. Employees have found they also spend more time on important non-work matters like spending quality time with their families. Employees also report a better overall sense of being, which is reflected in their work.

A more agile workforce

Digital workplaces can help increase agility. Organizations with well-established digital workplace infrastructure find it easier to adapt when the unexpected happens.
Digital workplace technology also enables employees to communicate quickly — almost instantly — which means that problems can be solved in real-time, and from across different locations; creating opportunities for agile collaboration, client satisfaction and more revenue opportunities.

Improved productivity

Organizations that take the time to develop strong, scalable digital workplace models see major gains in productivity.
Remote and hybrid work contribute heavily to that. Flexible work models increase employee commitment, and employees who feel invested in a company’s success work harder to attain it.
Furthermore, digital workplaces leverage machine learning technology to automate manual and menial tasks. Automated technology processes data and documents at an extraordinarily fast rate and communicates it instantly by uploading it to the cloud. This puts data right into the hands of employees, who can work faster and more productively.

Recruit high-quality talent – from anywhere

In a traditional geo-centric office environment, employers are restricted to hiring only in certain areas. Even multi-location organizations can feel like they’re missing out on great candidates, being geographically restricted to office locales.
Remote and hybrid work models allow employers to hire talent from all over the country – or even the world. A “borderless” workforce make it possible to reach more talent in more places.
However, connectivity with employees working around the world would be difficult without the right digital communication tools.

Reduced operational costs

A digital workplace simply doesn’t require the hardware and supplies — paper, toner, office maintenance equipment, etc. — that in-office work does. It also eliminates the centralized office, real estate and its associated utility costs. The result? Significant reductions in operational costs (OPEX).

Increased connection among employees

Some have feared that the digital workspace will drive a stake into the heart of company culture and alienate employees — from both one another and the organization generally.
But remote employees report greater personal and professional satisfaction and are likely to stay with a company that offers work-life flexibility.2
Inevitably, organizations that keep employees content and engaged are future-proofing themselves preemptively for long-term growth.
These are only a handful of the many benefits to driving a digital workplace. In today’s new world of work, having the right workplace technology can make a difference in creating a positive experience in the ways employees communicate, collaborate, connect and stay productive. Find out how Ricoh can support you with scalable digital workplace solutions to help you redefine work and effectively support your hybrid workforce today – and in the future.
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2Digital Transformation Doesn’t Just Increase Revenue, It Can Impact Employee Productivity Too