We’re living in a time of tremendous innovation where old business models and processes are being replaced in a rapid way brought about by technology.
Over the past 10 years we’ve been challenged by a host of technological products and services that have changed the way we communicate, consume, travel and learn.
The modern workforce is experiencing these changes first hand. Organisations have to deal with an always connected, real time employee base that demands a different way of engaging with their employers and what the bigger meaning is for them where they spend eight hours a day.
Changes in the approach to work are also causing shifts. The on demand workforce is growing and breaking down traditional employment paradigms. Zappos’ Holacracy approach to management is experimenting with entirely new organisational structures and remote working is becoming a requirement.
Through this all, organisations though are still trying to ensure that business objectives are being met.
Technology is also providing solutions to these problems and assisting organisations to create an environment where the personal goals of employees and organisational objectives can be balanced. Providing a mobile first methodology, these employees are plugged into a more dynamic organisation with real time feedback optimising traditionally slow workflows and providing a richer end user experience.
Tools such as Slack and Yammer enable real time communication that’s deeper and richer than traditional e-mail. Trello allows a minimalist and streamlined approach to project and task management while providing transparency to management, ensuring that the organisation is delivering value.
Performance and recognition applications are offering real time feedback to employees that ensure tighter alignment between objectives without the months delay between performance reviews. All these tools offer great user experiences and are available on a rental basis lowering the cost.
Organisations need to embrace these changes instead of fighting them lest they become like the taxi industry in the face of Uber. With these opportunities being created by technological innovation, organisations can improve their bottom line while ensuring that the modern workforce is engaged and productive.
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About the Author
Article appeared first in Business Essentials. Text by Martin Naude, CEO of Encentivize, a cloud-based employee rewards solution specifically designed to support management and HR in building a high performance culture.
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