It is hard to escape the frightening but very honest reality that many of us literally carry our entire universe inside the strangely small space of our smartphone.
Our devices have everything- calendars, reminders, our favorite newspaper and the contact information of every single person who is important to us.
When it comes to our work lives, technology can be a two-sided coin. Social media can be a black void of procrastination and self-loathing. We can wander aimlessly on YouTube until we realize that the sun has gone down and the bag of potato chips is empty.
But, technology can also be a very powerful tool. If used with self-control and an innovative mindset, technology can literally change the job landscape for many individuals and employers. If a company thrives on cohesive teams of people, technology can open up new avenues for an effective and vibrant team work ethic.
At Work, Technology is All About Connections
Teamwork and technology share one very important foundational aspect – they both need good connections to work. While technology can’t directly form a positive work environment, technology can facilitate better communication. Technology allows managers to facilitate communication among various members while reducing the time and expenses that are generally associated with group or team-building activities.
For example, conferencing technology provides members with real-time interactions regardless of their proximity to one another. Being able to communicate with with each other, regardless of different schedules and locations, decreases project completion times and overall cost.
Beyond the telephone, effective conferencing technology might include:
- Instant Messaging (with or without video)
- E-calendars
- Webinars
- Cloud Computing
Technology Reduces Workplace Clutter
Most companies rely on a steady ream of paper. Somehow, hard copies seem more reliable and sturdy.
But how much paper do we waste passing notes to each other in the hall? How many important documents have been lost due to accidents or overstocked desks?
The cloud has expansive space in which to store all of a company’s vital documents, yet it is portable and easy to use. Team members can depend on a certain amount of fluidity if they have a shared corner of technological office space. It reduces clutter, makes it easy to locate items and, inevitably, saves you time and money.
Technology Boosts Productivity
When you are part of a team, it can often feel like so much time is wasted communicating project items or laboring over remedial tasks. Technology can ensure that you (and your team) are getting the most out of every minute.
For example, cloud computing makes it easy to store information or applications on a remote server that can then be accessed by authorized users. Any team member can create, view, or share data. A simple application like “Dropbox” can help expedite a variety of tasks that would otherwise be tabled for conference room discussions.
Technology is also extremely mobile. Team members can access and update information quickly, allowing every member to work their hardest. While technology is not a replacement for human interaction, it is an excellent communication tool, not to mention an all-around office productivity enabler.