Exploring the Modern Workplace

So, what exactly is the modern workplace?

Most of us can picture the traditional workplace. People logging in and out every day, watched carefully by their bosses; computers glowing; printers whirring and servers running twenty-four hours a day; output-driven with rigid structures. Maybe the smell of coffee brightening up people’s days...

But what about the modern workplace? How does that look?

Most of us are just beginning to imagine the possibilities that new technologies and flexible attitudes post-Covid pandemic mean for our working lives.

"Modern workplace" is a term used to describe a positive, collaborative, flexible business culture suited to the modern worker, fuelled by innovation and digital tools.

Productivity and efficiency are still the focus for businesses but ways to achieve those things are changing.

The modern workplace describes an organisation that has the vision and expertise on hand to leverage digital tools. They use the cloud, video conferencing platforms and chats to create an agile work environment. They generally have an open attitude to people working from anywhere (WFA) and working from home (WFH).

Make no mistake, enabling a distributed, hybrid workforce is key to a successful modern workplace.

However, the modern workplace is not solely about worker location and associated technologies.

Modern workplace culture

It’s just as much about creating an environment and culture that champion collaboration, support a productive work-life balance, and even promote equality and ethics.

Putting people’s needs and lifestyle choices front, and centre of business decisions turns the tables on the traditional focus on straightforward productivity metrics and outputs.

Interestingly, providing the tools that enable flexible working patterns helps eliminate a lot of the problems we can recognise from the traditional workplace:

• Poor communication
• Inefficient processes
• Crowded, noisy office spaces
• Information/data duplication/isolation
• Inflexible contracts and software licenses
• Frustrated IT users with no self-support for basic needs

Why does the modern workplace matter?

In the UK, the average worker currently spends 60 - 80 minutes travelling to and from the workplace. (Forbes)

The younger workforce coming into employment now and in the next few years will not be expecting (or agreeing) to waste their time commuting. They will have the right to request flexible working patterns as part of their contracts. And they can demand that employers provide evidence that their physical presence is required to fulfil their job descriptions.

Post Covid, 90% of remote workers plan on working remotely for the rest of their careers. (Buffer)

For any stick-in-the-muds who are struggling to accept that WFH and WFA policies are positive for business, evidence is now showing that remote working reduces employee turnover by a staggering 25%. (Iremit)

The benefits to businesses of supporting flexible working are clearly not up for debate. Only the methods by which we best achieve it!

How is the modern workplace changing?

Our knowledge economy is fuelled by ideas, which are fuelled in turn by collaboration. On top of this, office work is transforming. Once dominated by administrative processing, now the goal is to make the most of ‘human capital’.

 As Tom Lloyd, Director at PearsonLloyd, puts it:

‘Mixing people, technology, space and place - bringing people together in dynamic inspirational environments - has never been more important in the ongoing search for our future working lives’.

This digitally enabled economy demands new ideas, information and business models. They need to continually expand, combine and shift into new ventures. As a consequence, workers (and employers) have to repeatedly refresh their digital expertise. It’s essential that they meet these challenges and get to grips with modern workplace technology.

What are the challenges of the modern workplace?

Creating a modern workplace that is innovative, inclusive, and insightful demands a clear strategy. Both human and technological requirements will have to be considered. It might mean a total rethink of how work gets done.

Some common hurdles that businesses will have to overcome in their planning are:

• Increased complexity

A rise in dependence on technology can make running a business seem more complex. It’s easy for managers and employees to feel overwhelmed. The goal is to keep management and processes as simple as possible.

• Hiccups with collaboration

Hybrid and remote working bring many challenges. Technological setbacks, poor communication, and even working in different time zones, all contribute. All things which can detrimentally affect successful collaboration and increase stress. Developing and agreeing on new processes will ensure that each employee feels heard.

• Security issues

Keeping up with data protection and security management can be tough. The pace of change means businesses must develop clear strategies to protect themselves.

• Uncertainty/anxiety

Recent global issues, including the Covid-19 pandemic, have led to uncertainty being at an all-time high. Organisations must take practical steps to ease people's doubts and manage expectations. Transparency will be at the heart of any strategy to help with this. Consult employees and be honest with them about performance and goals.

Using technology to communicate with and monitor staff communications will be key.

Gartner analysis shows that 16% of employers use technologies to keep an eye on their employees. Virtual clocking in and out, tracking work on computer usage and watching employee internal communications are common.

Other organisations focus on employee engagement and well-being to better understand their staff. Good communication is at the heart of any strategy like this.

• Training and investment

Every new technological innovation and process will need investment and training to be effective. Many organisations will need clear strategies and financial planning to support the changes.

What are the major stressors in modern workplaces?

The rise of flexible working patterns focuses on supporting the well-being of workers. However, there remain some problems that can cause stress if unchecked.

Long hours, the pressures of adapting to new ways of working, and a feeling of lack of control all impact people. Doubts and anxieties might result in unnecessary, destructive rises in stress levels. To counter the potential problem, roles need to be crystal clear, and management must provide adequate support.

The most successful modern workplaces will define clear roles for people. They will provide the necessary systems and opportunities, wherever their employees are based. And they will make clear communication a priority.

The benefits of being a ‘modern workplace’ are unquestionable. Employee well-being, business success and the environment all stand to gain. Understanding how to make it happen effectively will take clear strategy and planning, focusing on the right technology and tools. 

Discover how to create a modern workplace that works for you!

If you want to know how to maximize your productivity and efficiency in today's digital world, book a call with me here.