Modern technology isn’t going anywhere. For better or worse, we live in a world where video-chatting, screen-sharing, and the cloud are part of normal life.
Why would it be any different in the workplace?
While there are massive benefits to integrating tech into our businesses, there are some drawbacks as well. Here, we’ll walk through some major pros and cons of tech solutions in the workplace.
Pros
Innovative Training
Onboarding and training used to be a time-consuming, energy-intensive process. But thanks to modern technology, the hiring process has never been simpler.
Today, many new hires complete onboarding paperwork off-site before they step foot in the building for their first day. Technology allows workers to complete tax documents, insurance enrollments, and learn about your company all from the comfort of their living rooms.
Technology also offers innovative, effective ways to train staff. Check out the Learn to Win approach at https://learntowin.com/to see for yourself. Companies can create engaging learning modules that increase knowledge retention and help your team stay on the same page.
Increased Efficiency
One of the greatest benefits of tech in the workplace is the massive increase in efficiency. Online and group-chat style communication has made it easier than ever to connect and coordinate with people, regardless of schedule and timezone differences. Tech has also allowed many aspects of a business to be automated, from marketing to bookkeeping, which streamlines processes and frees up time to tackle other projects. Software likemodern management technologyhas proven to increase business efficiency.
Cons
Loss of Company Culture
A great example of tech’s prevalence in the modern-day workplace is in remote work. Video platforms like Zoom and communication channels like Slack make it easier than ever for workers to connect with one another from anywhere in the world. But is something also lost in this shift to hybrid or work-from-home formats?
A Gallup poll suggests that there is much at risk indeed. Remote workers reported feeling less valued or recognized while working remotely. They also feel less like someone at work cares about them and that their opinions matter less. These are major blows that can lead to a lack of investment in the company’s mission and culture, which could have larger negative implications for your business over time.
Decrease in Worker Self-Reliance
There is increasing concern that the more tech takes over in the office, the less workers will be able to do on their own. This is a valid concern. In medical settings, studiessuggest that tech plays an important role but that it is still imperative for practitioners to rely on their knowledge base and critical thinking. Relying totally on technology can result in diminished attention to nuance, which can be harmful to outcomes.
Summary
Tech solutions in the workplace are here to stay. But to benefit fully from its massive advantages, companies need to ensure they don’t lose sight of the importance of workers’ opinions, expertise, and experience.