Businesses have been adapting to digitalization over the last few years. However, the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the process. Companies had no other choice but to incorporate new technologies and business models into their everyday operations to support work from home and keep employees and customers safe.
But, what does the future hold for us now? Will these technology and workplace trends continue in 2022 as we move past lockdown restrictions in the USA and elsewhere? The answer is a yes. With that said, listed below are a few trends and technologies you should consider incorporating into your business model and workflow to stay ahead of the curve in the coming years.
Table of Contents
Increased utilization of cloud-based software
The typical workplace practice of saving work on chunky servers and local drives is no longer manageable because of a distributed workforce. Sticking to traditional methods of data-sharing only results in a lack of collaboration and transparency. Not to mention, it also creates data silos. But unlike legacy software systems, cloud-based software solutions, such as Microsoft Azure cloud service, enables more efficient information-sharing and better workplace management. Employers and employees can access their work from anywhere, anytime.
Such a thing will be the case whether you’re looking for an easy way to manage multiple teams or share documents with your employees. What’s more, cloud-based software doesn’t require a significant upfront investment. It is much more cost-effective and easier to upgrade and maintain because software providers typically incorporate frequent updates into the monthly subscription charges. Finally, cloud-based enterprise solutions consistently evolve, making it easier for businesses to integrate new technologies into their business processes and practices.
Remote or hybrid working is the new norm
Most companies discovered throughout 2021 that with the appropriate information technology strategies, allowing their employees to work remotely posed no issues whatsoever. More organizations feel that once they adopt remote working as a long-term strategy, chances are they will never go back to their old ways of conducting business operations.
Nevertheless, there is still a big dilemma posed by remote work settings: hardware. Although there are now affordable or even free software products for business use, laptop and desktop computers remain expensive. For the cash-strapped organization, that can be difficult. Fortunately, there is a solution: top-grade business-class refurbished computers. The term refurbished may be alarming, but refurbished machines and parts can last long if sourced from a reliable supplier.
While some businesses offer hybrid working solutions to their employees, others plan to move their entire workforce to work remotely fully. This shift can be extremely valuable for companies looking to grow by cutting operational costs and other fixed business expenses associated with owning/renting office space.
Improved, modernized cybersecurity is a reality now
It is a well-known fact that the cybersecurity measures of the past aren’t able to keep up with the modern workplace’s security needs and requirements.
Situations where employees use improperly configured or personal devices call for varying cybersecurity measures since sensitive information is no longer on the company’s network infrastructure. As a result, Government-backed standards like Cyber Essentials Plus and Cyber Essentials show what companies should do and the standards they should adhere to. Businesses that incorporate technology into the mix without the proper cybersecurity to back it up are inviting trouble onto themselves.
Managed services are en vogue
Ineffective, old-fashioned IT support services are now being replaced with better, modern managed service providers. These service providers cover everything from IT support to customer support to payroll management to everything in between. A managed service aims to ensure that your business’s future and current use of technology is planned and optimized during each phase of your expansion and growth. The goal here is to ensure that every member of your workforce can utilize the best work-related solutions for particular tasks without experiencing delays or downtime.
That said, businesses that have adopted modern workplace solutions without the expertise and support of a managed service provider are likely to suffer in the future. It is because these service providers often come with the added perk of improved cybersecurity.
Onboarding with the help of DaaS
Just think of the procedures your IT and HR managers have to go through to ensure new employees have all the appropriate apps and programs installed on their systems. With more companies investing in top-tier talent and remote working becoming increasingly popular, managers now seek better onboarding solutions.
DaaS (Desktop-as-a-Service) enables your workforce to easily access virtual applications and programs from anywhere in the world, considering they have a good internet connection. What’s more, this service is typically managed by a third-party cloud service provider that controls the backend infrastructure of virtual desktops and streams the programs and applications to your employees. Moreover, you can customize these virtual desktops according to your employees’ requirements. Whatever you decide to use DaaS for, it is an excellent solution for businesses looking for quick ways to manage their workforce while maintaining security. The service provider will handle everything from data backup to storage to upgrades to maintenance, reducing reliance on IT support and operations costs in the process.
Devices are becoming more portable
Technology is getting faster, smaller, and more portable as time passes by. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that companies will skip the 150-inch signage panel. Still, technology has made it possible for display devices to have a minimal footprint while providing high-resolution images.
The same is the case for computers and other devices employees use in the modern workplace. As a result, greater mobility is achieved because of less material usage, and people want that sooner than later. For instance, with the arrival of Gigabit Wi-Fi, devices will now be able to receive and display content without needing extra wires and connectors. This will take dematerialization to the next level.
Conclusion
Sometimes, as executives and business owners, we watch change occur in front of our eyes. However, we usually hope to wait it out. One misguided belief that every business leader has is that these trends will pass if they wait out long enough. On the contrary, experts believe that today’s technology and workplace trends are here to stay. While they might undoubtedly evolve, things will never go back to the way they were before.
My passion of providing Tech to Gadget lovers with the latest ups & downs happening in the World of Technology and innovation made this blog come true.