In an era marked by the evolution of artificial intelligence, automation, and cloud technologies, the business landscape has rapidly changed. In this article, we discuss how emerging business tools impact the future of work.
EMPLOYEE COLLABORATION TOOLS ENCOURAGE THE RISE OF REMOTE WORK
Since the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic, there has been a massive transition to remote work. It has become a necessity for businesses wanting to maintain operations in the New Normal.
Remote work provides businesses of all shapes and sizes with multiple benefits. Here are some of them:
Increasing job satisfaction
According to a 2020 report, remote workers report a Workforce Happiness Index of 75 out of 100, compared to 71 for in-office workers. They are also more satisfied with their jobs than their peers working on-premise.
Better performance
According to a FlexJobs survey, 95% of employees say their productivity has been higher or the same while working from home. Moreover, 51% report being more productive while working remotely. This is not surprising since remote work reduces interruptions, provides a quieter work environment, and helps employees stay focused on tasks.
Recruiting top talent is easier
When hiring remotely, employers can expand their reach and target top talent from all around the globe. The abovementioned FlexJobs report found that 65% of employees want to work from home in the post-pandemic era.
Businesses have understood the benefits of distributed work. According to Gartner, 80% of company leaders plan to allow employees to work remotely at least part of the time after the pandemic. Moreover, 47% will allow workers to work from home full-time.
AUTOMATION AND AI REDUCE MANUAL TASKS
In the past, warehouses operated by robots seemed like a sci-fi scenario. Today, they are our reality. Did you know that JD.com, China’s e-commerce conglomerate, has built an automated warehouse that is fully operated by AI robots?
The benefits of automation are multiple.
For example, AI and automation can improve employee health. Machines perform dangerous tasks, such as transporting hazardous substances or performing tasks at dangerous heights. These technologies are often used in construction, warehousing, and healthcare industries.
Another significant benefit of automation is the improvement of employee safety and productivity. AI-driven cloud tools perform dull and repetitive aspects of their jobs, freeing up their time to focus on more creative and challenging business operations. You can use AI tools in almost any aspect of your job, from financial analytics and customer support to employee rostering and inventory management.
Finally, artificial intelligence and machine learning can analyze large amounts of data faster. They improve workplace performance and reduce the risk of human error.
One of the major side effects of automation is the loss of jobs. With the rise of these technologies, companies hire fewer candidates for their manual skills. Fortunately, McKinsey found that less than 5% of occupations consist of activities that can be fully automated.
HR OPERATIONS ARE MORE EFFECTIVE
HR professionals play multiple roles at a company. From employee recruiting to managing payroll, there are many repetitive and time-consuming tasks they need to perform. That is where automated HR tools help.
For example, human resource management systems (HRMS) offer online file storage and applicant tracking. Recruiting tools streamline many manual tasks, such as sorting candidate applications, reviewing candidates, and employee onboarding.
Many third-party services offer custom-designed background screening programs to provide companies with a more comprehensive view of their future employees and business associates.
Finally, cloud-based payroll tools automatically estimate paid time off, payroll taxes, and deductions. That way, they eliminate human error.
CLOUD TECHNOLOGIES REDUCE PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
A decade ago, companies needed large rooms to place their database centers. Thanks to the evolution of cloud computing and remote work, they can now minimize their dependence on on-premise IT infrastructure.
They can now use cloud storage services to keep their information safe. The benefits of cloud infrastructures are multiple.
First, reliable cloud platforms are safe. They protect your data from cybersecurity threats by using advanced encryption technologies.
Second, they are scalable. You adapt your cloud computing plan to your company’s specific needs. You can scale it up or down whenever you want.
Third, cloud technologies are more affordable. Businesses choose plans based on their specific needs and pay only for what they use. You do not need to purchase expensive hardware anymore. As your business grows, you only need to upgrade your cloud storage plan.
Finally, cloud technologies help you manage remote teams more successfully. From storage tools to employee collaboration systems, these technologies improve employee performance and encourage effective communication.
OVER TO YOU
Modern technologies have already reshaped the future of work. To stay on top of them, businesses need to track assess employee performance. The goal is to implement these tools and technologies strategically, based on your company’s specific needs.
