Remember the good ‘ol days when dial-up Internet connections, tethered phones, data warehouses and hard drives were the norm. Fast forward to today where we’ve entered an era of real-time reactivity, innovation and collaboration.

This digital evolution continues to evolve and can no longer be ignored.  What are the challenges facing your Company as the result of this new modern workplace? How can it be implemented so that employees adopt and leverage the changes in their everyday work practices?

Defining the Modern Workplace 

 
Workdays have been redefined by the transformation of companies, the emergence of the Cloud and the rise of mobility.  This modern workplace offers technology and tools designed to enhance the efficiency of employees, streamline information and facilitate the processes around information. Additionally, it serves as a vehicle to enhance collaboration and social networking.

The challenge?  To successfully manage the impact of the transition to a modern workplace, in order to achieve greater productivity, collaboration and profitability.

What is the Added Value for Companies? 

• Single Access to All Applications | The modern workplace offers a solution that combines tools, organizational strategies, processes and security all into one. Its a single point of access to business applications (accounting, CRM), search tools, instant messaging, collaborative tools, team work spaces and internal social networking.
  
  
• Internal Communication Streamlined | Employees benefit from the same access to information and tools, customized to their specific needs. The automation of tasks increases employee productivity and allows them to focus their attention on other core activities. Plus, the facilitation of communication and collaboration anytime, anywhere translates to enhanced productivity!

Keys to a Successful Modern Workplace

The success of any modern workplace transformation depends on how and when  employees adopt the technologies. Technology exists to facilitate new work practices, however the key is understanding how to change the ways in which teams collaborate together. Here are some suggestions on how you can make this happen.

From the very beginning of a project, it's crucial to unite every employee under a common goal. This entails identifying the needs of specific teams based on their members and customary practices, inspiring a shared vision based on current challenges and setting out objectives.

2. Have a Clearly Defined Work Environment
It is important to consider, at which levels the change is due to take place, in order to balance company policy with employee empowerment. As the modern workplace gives employees access to company data anytime, on any device and from any location, the work environment needs to be well defined. Important considerations include determining which tools are the most suitable and secure, outlining the scope of application for various tools  and identifying new practices associated with their use.

3. Positive Communication of the Project
Project communication that is engaging, positive and persistent is very important. Videos, practical guides, games, eBooks and Infographics are some great ways to communicate and engage employees ... and keep them motivated.  

4. Measure Individual and Collective Adoption
Establish simple, shared Key Success Indicators during the preparation phase of the project to gauge individual and collective adoption, as well as the performance levels achieved. These can be used to measure uptake of the new practices and address specific avenues for improvement.

5. Creating Community 
Forming groups based on diverse business areas, interests and skills of employees will enable you to:

• Remove hierarchical silos
• Foster individual performance and recognition
• Stimulate transparent communication
• Develop more effective collaboration.

An internal dynamic will take shape as natural stewards in the company provide personal leadership, demonstrating the new methods of work and best practices. In this way, the adoption of modern practices and technologies will gain momentum, while performance levels will more quickly be attained.

Its all About the People

Movement to a modern workplace entails the ‘revolution’ of the physical office, the opening up of workplaces and a change in work habits.  It is more than a reorganization or implementation of new tools.  Rather, it represents a true Company transformation project, made successful by employee adoption.

Need help with your transition to a Modern Workplace? Contact an AMTRA expert or visit https://www.amtrasolutions.com/modern-workplace-productivity for more information.