Technology for the Modern Workplace

New technology needs

As much of the world returns to something like business as usual, companies are looking to future-proof their operations. In many cases, future proofing means adopting an entirely new work model. Remote, hybrid, and other flexible work models are the new normal for millions of employees, but implementing a successful flexible work model requires a technology road map to address team needs, ensure continuous improvement, and create sustainable growth.

Essential technology systems for remote and hybrid success include:

• Reliable communication. Provide remote and hybrid employees with easy access to internet and cloud connectivity to improve communication, collaboration, and team productivity. Consider wireless and mobile backup solutions to keep everyone connected — and don’t neglect your employees’ needs for social interaction with their colleagues.
• Cloud computing. In business, digital transformation is moving processes and workflows to the cloud. Cloud computing keeps data accessible to authorized users wherever they are.
• Security software. Remote access points increase network security risk. Take extra measures to secure the technology remote and hybrid employees use to access your online assets.
• Collaboration platforms. Use cloud-based applications to make it easy for dispersed teams to interact, share information, and stay connected as they work on projects together.

Organizations with remote and hybrid workforces also need comprehensive learning and development strategies and the technology to support them.

Technology for enhanced L&D

Technology is pervasive in every modern business, but in this new era of remote and hybrid work, all your organization’s L&D content must be collected and centralized for easy, secure access from anywhere, at any time. True to form and philosophy, L&D departments quickly adapted to the unique challenges of remote onboarding and training, and the technology at the core of their success remains a comprehensive learning management system (LMS).

When so much of the workforce was suddenly restricted to working from home, companies with flexible, forward-thinking L&D teams rapidly developed and deployed innovative ideas and technology solutions to improve L&D content delivery without disrupting productivity. Current and future L&D trends include:

• AI-enhanced learning. Artificial intelligence helps your L&D team optimize the employee learning experience with advanced analytics and continuous, data-driven insight into each trainee’s learning journey. With this information at hand, L&D content can be customized to suit employee learning styles based on multiple factors, including existing skill set, technology comfort level, work experience, and compliance requirements.
• Upskilling and reskilling. When employees need quick skill updates or adjustments, a cloud-based LMS can notify them of their need for training, provide mobile access to relevant learning modules, track their training progress, and deliver instant notice of completion for company and regulatory compliance records. 
• Microlearning. “Bite-sized” microlearning modules break essential skills and concepts into smaller “chunks” of content employees can consume when learning time is limited. It’s an excellent technique for introducing and reinforcing compliance content, such as safety regulations. 
• On-demand learning. Real-time, mobile access to L&D resources turns your LMS into a quick reference guide for employees when questions arise on the job. 

Recruiting and retention

With talent increasingly difficult to come by, human resources technology expedites candidate screening and reduces overall time to hire. Companies are also using technology to recruit and retain employees with a variety of innovative tools and methods, including:

• Streamlined hiring processes. With predetermined position criteria, smart technology tools can automate hiring processes from applicant outreach to résumé review, initial evaluation, and candidate ranking. 
• Transparent job descriptions. Social media outreach algorithms and career portals provide thorough job and industry descriptions. Today’s job posting is not complete without detailed information about positions requirements, performance expectations, site and schedule flexibility, the employer’s company culture, and the employee experience they provide — including continuous L&D opportunities and career planning programs. With this level of transparency, companies and candidates are empowered to focus on making the best match while saving both time and effort. 
• Flexible scheduling. Work-life balance is a critical consideration in this era of remote and hybrid working models. Companies can leverage technology to manage flexible schedules and remote work dynamics, and employees can work from anywhere and create a healthier, more productive working life.
• Collaboration and casual interaction. When employees work well together, business benefits. It’s more difficult to build strong working relationships in remote and hybrid workplaces, but with committed leadership and the right technology — including collaboration platforms and online spaces for social interaction — virtual teams can work and network together.
• Learning and development. Every employee has career goals. With a cloud-based LMS, employers can offer continuous learning and career development opportunities with a rich, easily accessible library of reference materials and learning resources. And employees are empowered to learn more and grow along with an employer invested in their success. 

Technology continues to help employers and employees overcome obstacles in rapidly evolving workplaces, and it all begins with comprehensive L&D and an advanced LMS. 

Learn more about the capabilities and advantages of a customized learning management system in the following whitepaper.