For a company to stay in business, it needs to be on top of the latest trends and technologies. Companies that fail to adapt end up missing out on potential savings or advances that could otherwise help the business thrive. This is more true now than ever before, as the pandemic restructured the way work happens and AI looms on the horizon.
That is why it is important to take a look at the top upcoming workplace technologies. This article will do exactly this. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of three of the top workplace technologies out there and can decide if you should incorporate them into your business.
1. Smart Virtual Assistants and AI
Any time there is a technology that saves time while also allowing more work to be accomplished, it is bound to change the way things function. This is the case with smart virtual assistants and AI. Both of these technologies are capable of getting more work done in less time, thus, dramatically increasing productivity. More and more major tech companies are using these technologies, with many others bound to follow.
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Smart Virtual Assistants
Smart virtual assistants are a way to massively reduce the amount of time that needs to be spent on regular, mundane tasks. Adding tasks to a schedule, researching basic problems, and accomplishing minor administrative tasks can all be accomplished with these assistants.
AI Integrations
With AI, this potential goes even further. A virtual assistant with AI integrated can better understand what you are asking and provide you with the results you are looking for. As these technologies progress in tandem, we are likely to see virtual assistants that are even more responsive and that can provide more for any and all workers.
AI is also incredible on its own. AI can have full conversations, explore topics in-depth, and even generate full paragraphs of knowledge from a simple prompt. All of this can save a lot of time for many different types of businesses, allowing employees to focus their attention elsewhere and be more productive.
The best part is that the true potential of AI hasn’t even been tapped yet. AI has shown promise in complex jobs, as some AI programs have been able to pass complex legal exams, and in simple jobs, as fast food companies look toward AI to replace some workers. There are even places for AI in unexpected industries, like access control. So, as this technology continues to develop, there is no telling how much more it will be able to do.
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2. Team-Based Applications
Remote work is becoming more and more popular. Though some thought it would only be a fad during the pandemic, around 30% of all work accomplished earlier this year was accomplished remotely.
This rise in remote work requires a working infrastructure to accommodate it. Companies can’t keep going as if nothing has changed because things have changed. If several workers are out of the office at all times, they need a way to communicate with them. If the company shifts between who is in and who is out of the office, they need to make sure those workers can communicate with each other. Overall, the company needs to create pathways for the normal flow of work to continue despite the potential distance between workers.
Tools to Consider
One of the most effective ways to do this is through robust team-based applications. Programs like Zoom and Teams allow meetings to occur as effectively as if the group was sitting together in the same room. Meanwhile, applications like Slack allow for text-based communication to occur in an organized and effective fashion. These are just a few of the most common types of apps companies are now making a regular part of doing business.
The rise of these applications is likely to continue as new needs are addressed. Dozens of new applications that provide ways to structure workflow or increase productivity are popping up just about every day. Plus, with the rise of AI, newer versions of these apps will likely be able to do more as they integrate AI into their core function. So, paying attention to these technologies will surely pay off over the next few years.
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3. Security Measures
Work is becoming more and more digital for a variety of different factors. Unfortunately, crime seems to be taking the same direction. Cybercrime incidents rose around 3000% in the jump from 2021 to 2022. Since more people are doing business online, criminals are following them in an attempt to steal more. This means there is a massive source of vulnerability for a wide number of businesses.
Security Technology
In response, security technology has become a priority. Companies are integrating technologies that allow them to keep their employees and the company as a whole safe. These include programs designed to eliminate all manner of threats and designated security teams whose job it is to protect the company’s digital footprint. The exact level of protection a company needs depends on how vulnerable they are and how much they potentially have to lose.
While security programs are great, they often fail to protect against human error. An employee accidentally giving access to a criminal is something that most programs will not catch. This is why educating employees in proper security practices is important as well. A company is only as secure as its most vulnerable employee.
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Traditional Security
Security isn’t just limited to the digital world, though. A company that allows access to all of its computers but doesn’t protect them from intruders is in just as much danger. Someone could easily walk into the office, jump on a computer, and start conducting any sort of cyber attack. This is why traditional security measures, like access control measures, surveillance cameras, and more, are still necessary.
Essential Workplace Technologies
Artificial intelligence, new team-based applications, and strong security technologies aren’t just flashy new toys for businesses to use. They are essential features for any business looking to get ahead or stay relevant. Understanding these and fully taking advantage of them allows businesses to gain an edge and prevent themselves from facing hardships.
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Last Updated on August 21, 2023 by Josh Mahan
