Digital technology is revolutionizing work as we know it. According to a recent Oxford Economics study, organizations that embrace this new culture of digital work see stronger performance, higher employee satisfaction, and a better customer experience. Yet for all the buzz around digital transformation, the study identifies a mere 12 percent of organizations as “Digital Workspace Leaders.” That means, a lot of organizations are missing opportunities to use workspaces to their advantage.
So how are these companies using workspaces to boost employee engagement? Here are 3 traits takeaways from companies doing an exceptional job of it:
1: Using new tech to cultivate cultural and behavioral changes for users
According to the Oxford Economics research, employees who are properly equipped for digital work are better at problem solving, collaboration, stress management, and customer service. It’s also easier for companies with a virtual work culture to attract and retain the best talent — who in turn, deliver superior customer care.
86% of business leaders say their virtual work culture helps them attract and retain superior talent.
2: Always putting work-life balance at the forefront of digital transformation strategy
Consider this deeply ironic finding from the study: While 59 percent of businesses cite employee burnout as a problem, the exact same percentage wants their employees available after hours. The question then becomes, how do you reconcile the need for remotely available employees with the very real risk of burnout.
It starts with making sure your employees understand the value of virtual work and that they’re fully empowered to take advantage of it. Values like these make a big impact on employee moral:
- Freedom and flexibility to build a schedule that accommodates life commitments
- More time—and higher quality time— for family, friends and leisure
- Lighter business travel, or the ability to work from any opportune location
Virtual work gives employees the tools to seamlessly blend their personal needs and professional obligations. The net result: Employees are more willing to log hours outside the traditional workday, recognizing that the trade-off ultimately weighs in their favor.
3: Knowing how to work backward — Starting with end-users’ needs, then crafting a solution.
Another finding from the Oxford Economics study: 40 percent of businesses merely add mobile processes on top of existing ones. Conversely, Digital Workspace Leaders consider how to create a superior employee experience then execute against their plan though sound mobile and IT investment. The secret to pulling it off? Before investing in new tools, identify strategies to address concrete business objectives, like:
- Improved customer service
- Better employee collaboration and productivity
- Simpler security for remote employees and contract workers
- Easier management of—and a longer life for—smartphones, tablets, laptops, and underlying technology infrastructure
Even though few businesses have cohesive integrated mobile strategies today, the Oxford Economics study shows the number is likely to nearly double within the next three years. And as companies begin to realize this, they won’t be viewed as forward-thinkers by top talent or valuable customers.
Find out how to put your organization ahead of the pack. Download the full report and discover the value in digital workspaces.
