Digital Technology – Does it really help?

Once upon a time we use to want to get that company laptop and mobile phone so we felt more important. With the rapidly increasing development of smart digital technology, we are now faced with how do we better manager digital technology at the workplace – in fact everywhere? There is no doubt digital technology has assisted businesses grow and develop. Examples may include;

1. Borderless communication

2. Reduction in expenses – video calls rather than airfares for example

3. Increased efficiencies

4. Improved translation services

5. Improved customer relationship management

The down side of this may include;

1. Technology addition

2. Poverty of attention

3. Increased workplace injuries

4. Blurring between work and personal activity

5. Reduction in employee wellbeing

6. Increased stress

7. Potential burnout

So, what is the answer?  We must get a balance in our policies to ensure we still enable creativity and freedom whilst also ensuring our people remain focused on their job at hand. Some companies, as with the public school system in Victoria, Australia, have banned the use of mobiles phones completely. Some companies have banned technology during all meetings and others allow people to use technology as they see fit. The key, from a decision point of view, is to assess what is best for your company and your people. If we want to retain the best talent we need to ensure we allow an element of freedom whilst ensuring the freedom given does not compromise the outcomes for the company or safety of our people. Below is a great article from Deloitte on this topic. Please click the link to review. https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/insights/us/articles/4146_BEM-Positive-technology/DI-Positive-technology.pdf