How technology is changing workplace culture?

With the advances in technology, end users are being offered easier and faster options to communicate and work efficiently. Mobile devices are playing a huge role in allowing today’s workforce to be at distant locations and yet be productive. Kiran Datar, vice president, Moxtra (A company into mobile applications) shares some of his thoughts as to how technology is increasingly changing workplace culture. Communication is an essential part of life. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively is one of the skills that businesses look for in employees. More than 81 per cent of employees use their personal mobile devices and 91 per cent of recruiters use social media for recruiting. As technology keeps growing and helping in making communication easier than how it used to be few years back, companies expect their employees to engage actively on social media. The technological advances achieved during the past few decades, have brought about a revolution in the business world, affecting nearly all aspects of a working life. People all across the world, can reach others in a matter of seconds, with cost being increasingly negligible. Technology affects almost every aspect of our lives. As much as our personal lives have changed, the business world has also been revolutionised, almost beyond recognition, over the past few decades. Many argue that technology has blurred the line between professional and private lives. Here are few pros and cons: Pros:

• Speed: Work can get done faster
• Convenience: Available anytime, anyplace and hence, allows people to be productive outside office
• Network: Can connect with people more easily

Cons:

• Change: Getting used to the easy way of doing things
• Dependence: Becoming a slave to technology
• Limitation: Not everyone is updated with the latest technology

Hardware advances like wireless internet, smartphones and tablets have made it easy to work from home.  Similarly, software in the form of apps like WhatsApp, Viber, Line and others made it easier to communicate and collaborate. There is no question technology and mobile devices have changed the way we work and communicate. Technology in the workplace allows businesses to expand quickly and efficiently. Business technology such as video conferencing, social networks and virtual office technology has removed workplace boundaries that previously limited business expansion. By adopting these new technologies, businesses can now target a wider customer base and grow to higher levels. Technology has transformed the workplace significantly in the past few years. Remote access means thousands of people can work from home office instead of commuting. Computers allow businesses to continue working while traveling. We are sure to witness more positive changes in the workplace due to technology. Obtaining and sharing knowledge 24/7 is becoming easier and faster as mobile and internet devices are becoming more accessible in emerging markets and from more remote locations. Allowing people to work remotely increases the opportunity to utilise people capability without requiring people to move. (The Author is the vice president at Moxtra)