“Modern workplace” – it’s quite the buzz word. Every SME we talk to wants to be a ‘modern workplace’.
Because they know they need to be a ‘modern workplace’ to attract the best team, give them tools and flexibility for how and when they work and to protect their digital assets. But how do you know if your SME has the right amount of ‘modern’?
What is a ‘modern workplace’?
A modern workplace is one that not only operates seamlessly in the digital world, but also leverages the best efficiency-improving technology and stays protected and secure.
The scalability and other benefits this brings mean the business can have big plans for leveraging new technology in the future.
What are the ‘modern workplace’ essentials?
At Nexio Group, we know these four categories form the basis of any ‘modern workplace’. We’ve seen them raised time and again with the hundreds of clients we support.
The first essential is:
1st Essential: Information and Data Management
It’s great to be in the cloud and online; but it comes with security risks. You have to ensure your information and data is securely managed or your ‘modern workplace’ is at risk.
Look at things like:
– Where are your documents stored, edited and version controlled?
– What kind of reports can you run so you know how your whole business is performing?
– Can your team connect securely to their work environment from any device?
– How do you onboard and exit team members while ensuring the information they have access to remains with the company?
2nd Essential: Process and Administration
Technology moves quickly. As does your SME when it’s got all the modern tools and technology at its disposal. However, without adequate processes in place, it won’t move quickly for long.
How much time does your team spend searching for documents, logins, customer details or other business information?
Too much?!
You’re not alone. Most SMEs don’t have document storage, HR and administration processes defined within their business so, every time they need to access these things, they’re spending time trying to find them.
With the right processes and administration in place, you can free up your team’s (and your!) time to focus on income-producing activities.
3rd Essential: Infrastructure and Network
Personal Hotspot on your phone? Dodgy Wi-Fi that hasn’t been updated since 2016?
You’ll agree that a ‘modern workplace’ must be online, and online as close to 100% of the time as possible. Stable infrastructure and network are needed to support this.
Internet drop outs or phone connection issues not only affect productivity, but they break down your clients’ trust too.
4th Essential: Simple, efficiency-improving tech
Perhaps the most exciting essential of a ‘modern workplace’, the incredible array of tech tools available today is mind-blowing.
There are tools to make your team more efficient, faster and more collaborative. Tools for document reviews, client sign-offs, CRM and stock management, to name a few.
Access to these tools from any device, and any location, will keep your team in touch and able to progress their work with ease – even with flexible working arrangements.
But! Don’t just get every single tool out there. Too many tools does not an efficient team make! Pick and choose the best combination for your team’s and business’ specific needs. That way your workplace won’t get bogged down in tool management. Instead, they’ll be flying high with exactly what they need to be more efficient.
