Ideas for Work: How to build a better-connected workplace - Blueprint #3

Ideas for Work

How to build a better-connected workplaceBlueprint #3

The future of the workplaceIt goes without saying that new trends and new technologies have changed the way we work almost beyond recognition. But the workplace itself continues to play a central role in economic, commercial and social life – it’s not going anywhere. So what will the workplace of the future look like?

Smart technologies are evolving faster than ever and disruptive new competitors are presenting employers with new challenges, resulting in fresh pressures and increased competition.

But change also brings opportunities, and this guide aims to help you make the most of them. We’ll help employers approach existing policies and practices from a fresh perspective, and re-examine their strategies so their businesses continue to thrive.

What is the connected workplace?The connected workplace is a space, and a concept, which enhances the productivity, health and happiness of employees and helps them work better together. Connected workplaces are more productive, more responsive and better attuned to their customers so they’re also able to attract employees with the same qualities.

It’s not simply about introducing technology into your existing workplace, although technology is part of it. You also need to cultivate a connected mindset and way of doing things, starting with developing a strategy for your workplace, before introducing the right technology, supported by policies and training.

How to build a better-connected workplace

Rethink what a workplace can be

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Your employees expect world-class technology. After all, that’s what they use at home. Give them high-speed Internet, the best hardware and devices you can afford, and plenty of support when they need it. This might be a big step, but programs like Samsung’s Enterprise Device Program, which offers you technical support and purchase guarantees, can make it much easier.

Stop thinking of your office as a building and start seeing it as a network of people.

Thanks to 4G and fast mobile Internet the workplace is no longer constrained by space or time.

Blend physical and virtual workspaces so staff can work the way they find most productive.

Think about how you could use virtual reality equipment like the Samsung Gear VR and Gear 360 to create virtual training and other experiences for your employees.

86%

of CEOs think it is crucial to success to champion the use of digital technologies 1


1 Source PWC 2015 Global Digital IQ Survey

What are the benefits? You’ll have an easier time attracting and retaining talent in a fiercely competitive environment: if your employees can work from anywhere, then potential barriers like location or personal cost are removed.

Without the frustration of dealing with uncooperative or out-of-date technology, your employees will be less stressed and more productive.

Allowing employees to work in the way they want not only saves time and money, it also means your staff will feel respected, increasing their happiness and even (according to some studies) their productivity.

Embrace the smart workplace 2

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Connect your physical workplace.

Creating ‘smart’ offices and factories can give you fine control of the environment, helping to make it safer and more energy efficient.

Wearable devices could improve employees' health and wellbeing, and help them work more efficiently. Thanks to advances in communications technology, you can now use affordable smart devices, sensors and wearables, like the Samsung Gear S2 to gather data about the health and performance of equipment, systems and even employees.

Get your head in the cloud.

By embracing the cloud and app-based working the workplace will no longer be limited by hardware and can exploit the potential of software.

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87%

of employees report that businesses can drive innovation through digital technology 2


2 Source Deloitte, The Connected Workplace

What are the benefits? With a more energy-efficient office and more employees working remotely, you’ll be able to make better use of space, reduce energy consumption and save money in the long term.

Automating manual processes frees up time previously spent on routine tasks as well reducing risk and the possibility of human error. Human input can then be used where it’s most useful – for assessments and decisions that require critical thinking.

A smart workplace generates more data, which can give you new information about your systems and processes. This deeper understanding of how your business operates makes it easier to see new opportunities and increase revenue.

Set out a technology strategy

Take technology beyond the IT department. Technology investment, innovation and strategic planning needs to happen throughout the business, so make sure you involve key decision makers across the organisation.

Think like a startup. To stay ahead of trends and competitors you need to be agile and willing to try new things as well as promoting joined up thinking across departments.

Pave the way with a solid strategy.

Make introducing new technologies less disruptive by having a well-thought-through tech strategy.

Rather than buying new technology as and when you need it, develop a comprehensive technology strategy which links to your plans for growth and talent acquisition.


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68%of tech investment occurs outside of IT 3


3 Source PWC 2015 Global Digital IQ Survey

What are the benefits?

Increased agility means being able to take advantage of new opportunities and being more robust in the face of competition and disruptive events.

Armed with an appropriate technology strategy you’ll be better able to make future-proof investments in technology that’s right for your business. Assess the technology you’ve invested in alongside performance data to calculate ROI and help inform your strategy and future spending.

Having the right technology, and the right attitude towards it, will help you stand out in the race for talent. Technical solutions can also help you build better, more cost-effective relationships with your clients.

Adopt next generation attitudes & policies


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Rethink the way your employees work to help them be more effective.

Give staff the freedom to work in the way they feel is most productive for them.

Set clear boundaries to get the most from remote working and BYOD (bring your own device).

These ways of working can present security threats, so make sure you have a policy and devices that keep you covered and give you plenty of protection. Most new Samsung devices are protected by Samsung Knox, our defence-grade security which is built into the hardware and software.

Set up your space to support new ways of working.

Try promoting collaboration with open plan offices or encouraging remote working by providing hot desks, and include the changes in your corporate space policy.

89%of companies are enabling their employees to use their own devices at work 4


4 Source CISCO, The Financial Impact of BYOD

What are the benefits?

New tech and new solutions are more effective when accompanied by the right policies and training, because staff know exactly how to use them. And a working environment which is powered by technology and embraced by staff will help your organisation be more collaborative, innovative and productive.

Giving employees more freedom over where and how they work can feel like a big departure from the way you work at the moment. But do it properly and you could soon have an office full of happier, more productive people.

Taking steps to protect business buildings, property and systems can make a big difference – many risks can be avoided if employees understand what they should and shouldn’t be doing.

Visit our business site to find out how we can empower your employees to live and work more effectively, and learn how Samsung technology can give your organisation a chance to grow and compete in today's fast-moving economy.

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Ideas for Work: How to build a better-connected workplace - Blueprint #3