By Bond Collective Staff
Technology in the workplace is making it easier for fewer people to accomplish more in less time than ever. Gone — or on their way out — are the days of hardcopy, rows and rows of filing cabinets, actual in-person meetings, and all the expenses that went with these things.
In this article, the experts at Bond Collective discuss how technology in the workplace has simplified and streamlined all of the operational and communication issues that once held businesses back.
How Technology In The Workplace Is Transforming Business
1) Location
Just a few short years ago, the vast majority of businesses maintained an actual, physical location of their own. Technology has changed all that.
Now, businesses can hire digital nomads, freelancers, and telecommuters who never report to a central office.
And business owners, entrepreneurs, and startups can drastically cut costs by eliminating the expensive long-term lease and basing their businesses in a coworking space or office-sharing environment.
2) Storage
Technology in the workplace — more specifically, the cloud — has made obsolete your business’s need for hardcopy, the rows and rows of filing cabinets to hold said paper, and the massive spaces to keep those filing cabinets organized.
Not only does the move to digital data storage save space, but it also saves time. By storing your information in the cloud, you make it possible for your employees to access documents — and even specialized apps — anywhere, anytime.
Your team doesn’t need the hardcopy and computers at your central location to do their job. Everything is online in the cloud.
3) Teamwork
Teamwork was once about working together efficiently in person (i.e., two or more people together physically in the same space). Technology in the workplace has expanded that definition.
Now, teams can be spread over wide geographic distances and still work together. This is all thanks to apps that make file-sharing and real-time interaction possible.
Collaboration between two people no longer depends on meeting face-to-face and being close enough to shake hands.
4) Communication
As business technology evolves, so too does the speed and agility with which we communicate.
The telephone and fax machine reduced lag time to almost zero, but now we can transmit data — voice, words, and images — around the world instantly right from our devices. Communication of this sort means that you can work from anywhere and still keep in touch with your team.
5) Organization
Keeping everything organized is a full-time job, but new technology in the workplace simplifies and streamlines this task significantly.
Project management software, in particular, drastically improves the way your team approaches a project. And when you keep your projects — big or small — organized and on track, the quality and quantity of the work you do will improve as well.
6) Productivity
Productivity is a significant variable in the equation that leads your business to success.
New technologies improve the productivity and performance of your team, enabling them to do things faster and with more precision than was possible even just a few years ago.
Increased productivity across the board means that you’ll be able to overcome challenges, execute strategy, track progress, and meet deadlines more predictably and regularly.
7) Security
Security at the office used to be about the locks on your doors and filing cabinets. But as technology in the workplace has evolved, security has changed along with it.
Now, security involves fingerprints, facial recognition, and complicated computer algorithms that keep malicious digital thieves at bay and ensure that only your team members can access your vital data.
8) Profitability
Yes, technology is more expensive at first than past business solutions. But that same technology is also more cost-effective in the long run.
For example, software as a service (SaaS) allows you to scale the apps you use in your business to fit your needs more precisely.
The scalability of software means that you no longer have to pay for an expensive suite of tools just to get one integral feature. It also means that the software itself will improve the profitability of your business.
Your team can automate regular tasks and integrate more easily across all areas of your business.
9) Customization
Modern technology in the workplace is also much more customizable than solutions of the past.
Whether it’s project management software, facilities management software, or something else entirely, your ability to tailor technology to the unique way you do business means that the other items on this list will be that much easier to achieve.
10) Efficiency
In section number six above, we talked about how productivity is a major variable in the success of your business. But what are the major variables that make up productivity?
One is efficiency. Improve the efficiency of your team and you improve its productivity as well. Technology certainly helps in that regard.
Time management software, in particular, is a very effective way to boost the efficiency of your team and your business. With all the time you and your employees save, you’ll be able to focus on creating and developing the new ideas that will really move your business forward.
4 Technologies To Watch
1) Secure Group Messaging Systems
Advanced communication technology that integrates voice, video, text, and data in one secure platform can keep your team connected, efficient, and productive regardless of where they live and work.
2) Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR) is set to revolutionize many industries as business owners find new ways to use this technology in the workplace.
Teams will be able to meet, interact, and exchange information in a virtual world that will make creativity and the advancement of ideas so much simpler.
The manufacturing industry is already harnessing the power of VR to refine and perfect the way they do business and develop their products. Other industries will soon follow their lead.
3) Smart Virtual Assistant Apps
Everyone can benefit from smart virtual assistant apps, not just executives and those at the top of the managerial chain.
Virtual assistant apps with on-board artificial intelligence can help organize schedules, anticipate daily needs, automate regular tasks, and take your efficiency and productivity to new levels.
4) The Cloud
The cloud as a business solution is less than a decade old. But as more and more businesses discover the value of this technology in the workplace, the cloud will continue to evolve and grow to provide even more solutions than it currently does.
Take Your Business To The Next Level With Technology And Bond Collective
Technology and Bond Collective go hand in hand. The mobile nature of business computing makes working from anywhere at any time a very real possibility.
So while you could work from home or in your local coffee shop, you’re more likely to be successful in an environment that facilitates and promotes the 10 items on this list. Bond Collective is that place.
Whether you choose a private office (or suite of offices), a dedicated desk, or a flexible coworking option, our infrastructure (including lightning-fast WiFi and ethernet, free black-and-white printing, and on-site IT support) will transform the way you work.
In addition to the specially curated, professional decor at every Bond Collective location, you’ll also enjoy industry-leading amenities, such as:
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Guest reception and greeting
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Private meeting and phone booths
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Conference rooms for 2 or 20+
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Custom build-outs
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Mail and package handling
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Daily porter service
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Nightly office cleaning
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Showers with towel service
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Fresh fruit, snacks, and weekly breakfast
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Complimentary spa water, craft beer, and coffee
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Mother’s room
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Secure bike storage
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Curated networking events
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Exclusive discounts and national partnerships
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Pet-friendly locations and common areas
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24-hour access to location across the country
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Streamlined billing and booking portal
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And so much more…
If you’re looking for a spacious, well-appointed collaborative workspace to boost your productivity and transform your business for the better, take advantage of any one of our many Bond Collective locations in the United States, including New York, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Illinois, Tennessee, and Texas.
Call us today to find out more about everything we have to offer. And while you’re at it, schedule a tour to experience first-hand how the boutique work environments at Bond Collective can benefit your business.