The traditional workplace has, in many ways, become a thing of the past. Gone are the days of bulky desktop computers, our coworkers living or commuting from the same area, and locally limited customer engagements. With how quickly the technological landscape has evolved and the benefits companies have experienced due to these changes, you might be asking yourself if you’re ready for the digital workplace — one that employs advanced methods of communicating across channels and platforms to better serve organizations.
Recently, large companies like Facebook and Shopify have shared their views on transitioning to a permanent work from home model. Learn what you can do to prepare for transitioning into these types of roles.
Are you ready for the modern digital workplace?
Perhaps it’s best to assess if the modern digital workplace is something you’d like to transition into. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself if you’re wondering if transitioning from a traditional workplace to a primarily digital one is a good fit:
- Are you prepared to engage with more apps and technologies on a daily basis?
- Are you open and willing to learn the ins and outs of new programs, social media platforms, and communication devices?
- Do you need more flexibility when it comes to your work-life balance?
If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, there are some tangible steps you can take to prepare for a role in the digital workplace.
Brainstorm ways in which you can apply your current role or skills to a broader audience. Think creatively! Are there ways your skillset can serve a variety of organizations’ progress in the modern workplace? Research ways in which your role can increase digital engagement, online sales, website traffic, etc.
Take courses. The digital workplace requires employees who understand how to navigate common software applications and the internet landscape. Consider taking a community college course or teaching yourself these new skills online with free classes or how-to content. Succeeding in the digital workplace counts on proficiency in modern, digital office tools.
Spend time on social media. While posting on social media platforms is a good start, you should gain a deeper understanding of how these platforms work. How can companies use these platforms to engage with clients and how can this engagement be leveraged into conversions? Familiarize yourself with how platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and others can be used in a professional context for sales and marketing.
Practice videoconferencing and communicating via digital platforms. Are you familiar with videoconferencing etiquette? Practice learning how to take calls via your webcam and communicating one-on-one or with groups using other digital platforms. The digital workplace heavily relies on communicating across different time zones and countries. You may have to familiarize yourself with instant messaging, setting up meeting invites on calendars, and more. Practice ahead of time to become proficient.
The digital workforce is here to stay. As companies begin to roll out modern digital workplace models, the demand for flexible workers increases. Your experience in a traditional workplace should not hold you back from engaging in the modern digital workplace—in fact, it can empower you to harness your current potential for application to a digital landscape.
