5 Digital workplace myths (and the reality of each one)

Many myths exist about the digital workplace. For example - it’s prohibitively expensive to implement. Or, employees aren’t as productive.   

Here’s another - revenue will suffer. 

Some have even said that the term “digital workplace” is really nothing more than a rebranding of a company intranet.  

The reality of the digital workplace is far different – and of immense benefit to organizations that embrace it.   

Let’s go through 5 common digital workplace myths and debunk each along the way.  

1. Digital workplaces are only about technology

   Digital means technology only, right?   
   
   Not necessarily. The driving factor behind the digital workplace – and digital technology – is human. 
   
   People are important to companies — both their customers and their employees. Companies implement advanced digital workplace technology not for its own sake but for the sake of improving customer and employee experiences. 
   
   

2. Digital workplaces are passing fads

   Companies have been creating digital workplaces for quite some time. Business cloud computing is a big example and one that has only grown in popularity, with systems that keep getting more and more intuitive. 
   
   Digital workplaces are prevalent almost everywhere now due to the pandemic, but they have a longer history and, clearly, a long future ahead as well.
   
   The benefits of digital workplaces are real. From increased productivity and worker happiness to a drop in overhead, the digital workplace is realizing its initial promise —and is here to stay. 
   
   

3. Productivity will drop

   Some fear that if workers aren’t closely managed, they won’t get as much work done.   
   
   As it turns out, the opposite is true. Employees not only remain productive away from the office, but they also often exceed previous productivity metrics.   
   
   And as more and more digital workers become comfortable with technology, they are more comfortable to work driven with digital technology both remotely and in the office prompting even more digital sophistication — and, perhaps, even more productivity.
   
   

4. It’s expensive

   Building a digital infrastructure costs a lot of money. It would seem to make sense that applications, technology, support, and ongoing maintenance would increase costs. 
   
   The reality is very different. 
   
   Cloud applications, cloud hosting, and “as-a-service" subscription delivery options reduce overall hardware and software needs. In fact, many businesses realize financial and accounting benefits going from capital expenditure (CAPEX) to operating expenditure (OPEX).   
   
   And today, even business hardware technology like laptops, printers, and other essential components can be found in infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) or everything-as-a-service (EaaS) offerings converting hardware from CAPEX to OPEX, making going digital even easier for companies of all sizes. 
   
   

5. It’s a rebranding of the company intranet

   Some believe that the digital workplace is merely the company intranet rebranded. But that isn’t so.   
   
   A quality company intranet (you could also call it the company network) is part of it, yes. But a digital workplace is so much more. 
   
   It’s made up of cloud applications, communication tools and hardware, information and digital document storage platforms, outsourced digital services like mailroom services, CRM and HR systems, and a knowledgeable employee base that puts the latest workplace technology to the best possible use. All these elements work synergistically to attain a company’s core goals, despite the distance between employees.  

Digital workplace myths resolved 

Digital workplace myths stand between a company and the competitive advantages that come from a streamlined digital workplace. 

The reality is the digital workplace is here to stay. It saves time and resources. It drives productivity. It isn’t a tech-for-tech’s-sake venture, nor is it a mere rebranding of a company’s pre-existing intranet structure.  

The truth about the digital workplace is that it’s been better for employees, clients, customers, and companies as a whole. 

Why choose a digital workplace? 

These are only a handful of the benefits to the digital workplace – employees are happier and more productive; operational costs are reduced, and revenue is increased; customers are more satisfied, work is more efficient and less wasteful, and company culture gets a major boost despite the physical distance between co-workers.  

Here’s another advantage of a digital, virtual workplace – it’s the future and is here now.   

What other benefits will your company enjoy? 

Source:  RICOH USA