Employee growth is expected to remain positive for the foreseeable future, according to SHRM, a leading expert, researcher, advocate, and thought leader on HR and the workplace.
Employers will continue to hire. However, their focus will likely be on backfilling open roles rather than creating new positions. Even more critical is retaining current employees and keeping them engaged.
In addition to great perks and benefits, innovative technologies increasingly help companies stand out as employers of choice in ways that might not show up on a paycheck.
Enable Flexibility
Flexibility means different things to different people. Some employees value working remotely while others want flexible schedules for greater work-life balance. What’s certain is that most traditional workplaces have adopted a hybrid model that accommodates the diverse needs of their employees.
Doing so requires a wide range of digital tools and workplace technologies that can equip workers wherever their office may be. Video conferencing platforms, unified communications, the cloud, project management software, and mobile access are critical tools that help remote employees stay connected with the office and with customers.
Virtual communication hasn’t always been intuitive, however. Moving forward, companies will need to focus on user-friendly interfaces that make it easy to connect without having to contact the IT department to get screens, virtual platforms, and audio to work properly.
Enhance Collaboration
For all the benefits of remote and hybrid work models, a major challenge cited by many organizations is a decline in collaborative ideation. Coming up with the next “big thing” takes people working together in real time. Distance, poor Wi-Fi and cell service, and ineffective video collaboration tools compound the challenge of bringing people together.
To help alleviate the disconnect, many employers are trying to lure workers back to the office. These types of efforts need to address the professional and felt needs of employees who have become accustomed to working from their sofas or home offices. Ergonomic hotel desks offer a place to “land,” and lounge areas designed for collaboration provide comfort and inspire engaging interactions. Consider incorporating room scheduling apps so workers can claim a workspace for the day. If there are open areas, also consider sound masking technologies to minimize disruptions and create privacy.
In addition to felt needs are technical requirements, especially for those who can’t attend in person. Equip spaces with video capabilities and large LED screens to help create the sense that remote workers are immersed in the group rather than relegated to a laptop screen. Invest in quality audio connections that allow everyone online to hear with crystal clarity so they can contribute without missing a beat.
Empower Growth
A lack of innovation and technology adoption can result in falling behind the competition and becoming stagnant. It can also lead to reduced productivity, lower customer satisfaction, and lost market share. Not only can more innovative companies steal away customers, but they can also steal away your employees.
Employees want to know they’re a part of a forward-thinking organization that is focused on future growth. They also want to know they’ll have the tools they need to help drive the company forward. Undoubtedly, investments in technology and infrastructure need to be a part of that strategy.
Elevate Security
Maintaining a safe work environment is critical. Access control systems are commonplace, but advanced capabilities like mobile apps and cloud-based systems help empower workers to see who’s entering a building to grant access. Video surveillance is also advancing by using AI to identify potential threats and issue alerts.
Occupancy sensors can do more than alert others of intruders; they can also help regulate climate controls, analyze data for intelligent use of space, and connect devices when someone enters a room. Security protocols by way of access controls, video surveillance, and video monitoring help to further minimize potential threats.
Encourage Diversity
Geographical boundaries are largely removed with the use of innovative technologies, helping to promote inclusivity and diversity. With the right technology, companies are no longer tethered to a building, city, state, or country. A prospective employee with the right qualifications may not need to relocate to be a part of your workforce, helping to expand your labor pool and bring fresh perspectives and ideas.
Creating a global presence — both within your labor force and customer base — is only possible with robust technologies that position your company as an innovator. Go more in-depth and learn about the latest workplace technologies in our Workplace Technology eBook — How Workplace Technology Positively Impacts Employee Retention. Access this helpful resource below and reach out to the technology experts at ASD to explore how to design and implement these and other solutions.
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