It’s truly amazing to see how far the American workforce has come in the past 10 years. Email used to be the fastest and easiest way to communicate, but today many offices are ignoring it in favor of chat apps and project management tools. Many employees and managers alike can’t even function without their smart gadgets and tools to get them through the day. Check out these four essentials for anyone entering the modern workplace.
HR Software
Apps like freeHR and Zoho people work to create human resource solutions for the modern workplace. These tools are ideal for remote and distributed teams where managers never physically sit down with employees. Mailing benefits and healthcare information takes time, but these digital tools can walk employees through their information with a click of a button. On the employee side, teams can apply for time off, record sick time, and clock in without being physically present. This can also benefit brick and mortar companies that manage large teams.
Project Management Apps
Today’s employees can plan, update, and deliver projects all from their Android devices. Project management tools like Trello and Wrike let teams center the discussion about a project in one place, making it easier for managers to keep tabs on deliverables. Previously, a group of employees would communicate through long email chains, chat boxes, verbal discussions, and video. It was impossible to keep all of that communication in one place. With project management tools, everything is in one place as long as you have an internet connection.
Quality Video and Calling Devices
Image via Flickr by jcorrius
If your computer and Android device don’t have a built in camera, then it’s worth the expense to invest in one. More communication is happening digitally, from screen shares during meetings to video interviews for a job. While email and chat are quick ways to communicate, they don’t beat the immediate clarity of a phone call.
Before entering the modern workforce, check to see if you’re due for a phone upgrade so you’re prepared for everything the office requires.
Paper to Digital Document Converter
If your office is full of papers dating back to 1992, then it’s time to throw away what you don’t need while scanning what you do. The modern office is paperless and employees prefer to keep their information on the network instead of on their desk. This offers immediate ease when traveling and keeps the papers secure in case of fire or spilled coffee.
Many companies have made the switch from paper to digital records for employees of patients in the past few years, and some companies specialize in helping the transition. This makes it easier to send and update files, as well as locate them when a patient arrives. If you haven’t already, this may be the next frontier in embracing a paperless office.
These are just a few examples of smart technology making the workforce better. Check out this infographic by Maryhurst University Online to learn more, along with case studies from real people who have been there and gone modern.
