How Technology Has Changed the Workplace
very decade for the last century, a new technology has been introduced into the workplace that has fundamentally changed how workplaces function. Learning how technological advancements have impacted the workplace can provide valuable insights for all employees and create better understanding and collaboration between coworkers of all ages. Following are some considerations about technology which may be helpful.
Efficiency is Less Personal – All businesses strive for efficiency, with technology, one of the easiest places to create efficiency is with communication. In many cases, face to face meetings are replaced with phone calls, emails, and now text or instant message, but consider the distance created with each technological advance. This has made the workplace much more efficient, but coworkers don’t interact as much on a personal level. Coworkers with personal connections to each other often understand each other better. Conflicts are less likely to escalate when there is personal understanding. Having the ability to engage with facial and verbal expression are essential to this as well.
Bringing the Personal to the Office – Efficiency of communication can also blur the lines between work and personal. Before cell phones if a person got a call from their child at work it was considered disruptive, today parents regularly text their children during the workday. These tools now make it easier for individuals to effectively and happily balance work and life.
Information is easily accessible – Technological advancements have allowed businesses to compile, analyze, and now share information like never before. These advancements have also changed how employees seek out education. Where previously an employee seeking knowledge would need to take a class or find a subject matter expert, they can now find most of the information they need in digital archives or on the internet. This is a huge advantage to those familiar with technology, but can place those who are not at a disadvantage.
This month be sure to register and attend the webinar, Working with Millennials, to learn more about the impact Millennials are having on the workplace. For a full description and registration information, see the sidebar to the right. If you’re unable to attend you can log on to the website at a later time to view the archived presentation.
MONTHLY WEBINAR
Wednesday,
May 23rd
WORKING WITH MILLENNIALS
During this seminar we will look at tips and tools that can guide you in working with this mission based generation of millennials. People often have misconceptions about millennials. We will talk about why those misconceptions are out there, and take a deeper dive into discussing what contributions and traits millennials bring to the workplace.
TO REGISTER:
– Select the time
– Or – click on “Upcoming Webinars” from the homepage of the website and follow the easy instructions
e4health administers the College’s EFAP program. To access their comprehensive web site, with many tools and articles, go to the e4health web site.
Username: middlebury college
Password: guest
Or call them at: 800-828-6025
(phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)