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Last Updated on September 6, 2018 by Work In My Pajamas
More and more, modern technology is becoming an inseparable element of most workplaces. Unless you’re working somewhere that reenacts the past, you’re probably constantly using new forms of tech. And even those businesses are probably starting to integrate computer systems. This is simply the way of the world. The companies that do the best job of recognizing the importance and relevance of certain new advancements will have a leg up over the competition. One issue facing essentially every organization is how to get people to work together more efficiently.
Here are four tech solutions to streamline workplace collaboration.
Find Innovative Ways to Incentivize
It can be difficult to get people within an enterprise to willingly work together. This is especially true for employees who don’t have equity in the company. But the success of any business hinges on its ability to get its components all working in synchrony. This requires executives to find creative ways to encourage collaboration where it might not come naturally.
One way to do this is by gamifying otherwise mundane operations. It should come as no surprise that people are hesitant to collaborate when it feels like a chore more than an exciting opportunity. Managers should strive to find innovative ways to turn necessary procedures into enjoyable actions. This might include some sort of incentive-based element. Once you’ve found a way to turn boring things into games, people will be much more willing—and even excited—to collaborate. You can utilize a wide variety of technologies to make this happen.
Ad Hoc Analytics
Sometimes you need fast answers from your data. Unfortunately, getting a report from your team of data scientists can take weeks or even months depending on the query. Not to mention these data experts may be busy with larger projects. If only there was a way to get quick answers to one-off queries.
Luckily, ad hoc analysis can be performed, and then shared with all relevant parties instantly with tools like relational search. The ultimate goal of working together is to find solutions more efficiently. This can be accomplished by utilizing embedded analytics dashboards, or similar tools.
Use a Well-Designed Communication Software
If you want employees to collaborate, you need to get them communicating. There are many enterprise-focused communications platforms out there that aim to do just that. Some business owners might worry about their employees spending too much time talking for pleasure and not enough time working if they’re encouraged to freely communicate via a messenger.
There are two important counterpoints to this argument. First, if people are going to spend their time chatting instead of working, they’re going to do that regardless of whether you provide them with a communication channel. Facebook and LinkedIn both have messenger functions. Would you rather have people on those sites, or yours?
Additionally, the more employees communicate, the better they will understand each other. And in turn, they will have an easier time collaborating with one another. Most communication and messaging tools also allow for the creation of many conversations. This is an extremely useful application for keeping information organized, and can save people a lot of time that would otherwise be wasted hunting for old messages.
Augmented and Virtual Reality
There has been a lot of talk about the potential applications of augmented and virtual reality in the business world. Many industries are already finding ways to implement it into standard operating procedures. These technologies will certainly play a role in facilitating collaboration in the modern workplace. Face-to-face interactions are much better than those that lack that visual element. We respond to other people’s physical cues more than their words. In fact, some studies say over 90 percent of communication is nonverbal. Incorporating this into the workplace will greatly improve overall collaboration.
It doesn’t matter what kind of business you’re running, collaboration between employees is an essential element. You should always be looking for ways to make this process better. Many forms of modern technology are helping to streamline the workplace in this way.
Image Source: Teamwork Power Successful Meeting Workplace Concept
