As technology progresses, more businesses are choosing to digitize their workplaces. After all, going digital can offer several advantages, from increased efficiency to reduced costs.
But just because you’ve digitized your workplace doesn’t mean it’s effective. In fact, research shows that many digital workplaces are far from perfect. So how can you tell if yours is up to par? What can you do to improve it?
Here are good strategies you can apply to have an effective digital workplace:
1. Set your goals and objectives
Firstly, you need to have a good idea of what you’re trying to accomplish with your digital workplace. What are your goals and objectives? How can your digital tools help you achieve them?
Make sure everyone is on board for your digital workplace to be effective. This includes not just managers and executives but also rank-and-file employees. The workplace will likely be less effective if everyone isn’t in the same boat.
2. Establish clear guidelines and procedures
To make sure everyone is effective in the digital workplace, it’s important to have clear guidelines and procedures.
- What are the expectations for behavior?
- What are the rules for using various digital tools?
- How should tasks be completed?
Having these things spelled out can help ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals.
3. Identify your audience
You should determine your audience before you start using the digital workplace. Who will use the digital workplace, and for what purpose? Do you need to create different experiences for different groups of users?
For example, if you have remote employees, you might need to focus on creating a digital workplace that’s easy to use and accessible from anywhere. On the other hand, if you have office-based employees, you might need to focus on creating a digital workplace that’s more collaborative.
By identifying your audience, you can create a digital workplace that meets their needs and helps them achieve their goals. You can ask an experienced workplace consulting group to help you with this.
4. Invest in the right tools
The right tools are essential for an effective digital workplace. These tools might include a communication platform, collaboration, or content management system.
Be sure to research the different tools available and choose the ones that best meet your needs and objectives.
5. Provide training and support
Your digital workplace needs to be used correctly. This means providing employees with the training and support they need to use the tools effectively.
You might need to provide training on using the communication platform, the collaboration tool, or the content management system. You might also need to provide training on utilizing specific applications or tools.
Make sure that you have a plan for providing ongoing training and support so that employees can continue using the digital workplace effectively.
6. Encourage feedback
Your digital workplace won’t be effective if you don’t get feedback from your employees. Encourage them to provide feedback on the different tools and processes. This will help you identify areas that need improvement.
But before you ask for feedback, ensure that your employees’ experience with your digital workplace is positive.
For instance, your software and tools should align with all aspects of your business, such as your workplace culture, policies, recruitment process, onboarding new employees, etc. Follow here to learn more.
7. Keep it up to date
The digital workplace is constantly evolving, so you need to keep up with the latest trends and technologies. It can be challenging, but there are a few different ways you can stay up to date. You can read industry news, attend conferences, or even follow thought leaders on social media.
8. Benchmark your progress
Once you’ve made changes to your digital workplace, digital benchmarking your progress is vital. This helps you see if the changes have the desired effect. It can also help you identify any areas that still need improvement.
Consider these tips:
- Compare your current score to your baseline score (the score you achieved before making any changes).
- Compare your results against industry benchmarks.
- Consider using a tool such as Google Analytics to track how users interact with your digital workplace tools.
If this is the first time you’re benchmarking your digital workplace, you can find free templates and resources online or find further info here.
9. Adjust as necessary
Once you’ve benchmarked your digital workplace, you can make changes to improve your score. For example, if you find that employees struggle to use a certain tool, you might need to provide more training or support.
Also, ensure to keep an eye on industry trends and make changes to your digital workplace accordingly. This helps you stay afloat of the competition and ensure that your digital workplace is always effective.
10. Celebrate successes
Finally, don’t forget to celebrate your successes. This motivates you and keeps you focused on improving your digital workplace. It also shows your employees that you value their input and feedback.
When you’re celebrating successes, make sure to involve your employees. This helps them feel appreciated and encourages them to keep giving feedback.
Final Thoughts
The digital workplace is constantly evolving, so it’s essential to stay updated on the latest trends and technologies. Following these tips help you improve your digital workplace and ensure that it’s effective for your employees.
Keep in mind to celebrate your successes along the way. This can motivate you and stay focused on improving your workplace. Always remember to involve your employees in the celebrations – they’ll appreciate it.
On top of these, find professional services, such as DWG strategy and governance for workplaces, to give you a comprehensive guide in making your digital workplace effective.
