5 Mistakes Companies Are Making in the Digital Workplace

When COVID-19 arrived, businesses had to adapt quickly. With office work no longer possible, organizations shifted fast. Working from home became standard as companies worked to equip their teams for success.

The pandemic changed how many people worked, with about 70% of full-time workers going remote at its peak. Even now, working from home remains common, with 92% planning to work remotely at least one day a week.

Companies have made big changes in how they operate. Many now use cloud-based systems to help hybrid teams work together. Adopting new technology is key to staying competitive.

This transition has brought newfound benefits, such as:

1. Lower costs for employees and employers

2. Better employee work/life balance

3. Higher morale

4. The same or improved productivity

5. More flexibility in serving clients

But moving to a digital workplace has also brought some challenges and risks, such as:

1. Vulnerable networks and endpoints

2. Employees feeling disconnected

3. Communication problems

4. Difficulty tracking productivity and accountability

5. Increased risk of data breaches

The pandemic has had a major impact on organizations, with an estimated one-fifth suffering from a breach due to its remote workforce.

With support from an IT professional and some effort, you can use technology to grow your business. It takes time and commitment.

The latest IGLOO research report found that companies often make mistakes like lacking a clear strategy, poor communication, and not having the right technology when building their digital workplace. Avoid these common errors to keep your business safe.

1. Not storing files in the cloud can make it hard to find important documents

The cloud has changed how companies work, letting them store important files online and access them from anywhere. But without good organization, digital documents can pile up, making it hard for staff to find what they need quickly.

Nearly half of employees are wasting time searching for the documents they need to do their jobs, a figure that’s on the rise according to IGLOO’s latest report. This lack of access is costing businesses money – and preventing them from capitalizing on opportunities.

Here are some tips to make shared cloud files easier to find:

1. Keep file structure flat (2-3 folders deep)

2. Create a consistent hierarchy and naming structure

3. Don’t create a file for fewer than 10 documents

4. Archive and delete older files monthly to reduce clutter

2. The growth of remote work has left many employees feeling disconnected and unheard

Meetings can get confusing when some team members work remotely and conversations lack structure. Many companies find it hard to connect in-person and virtual teams with effective communication.

Even though remote work can boost productivity, nearly 60% of remote workers feel disconnected from their colleagues in the office. Without real-time face-to-face interaction, decisions may be made without everyone’s input, which can disrupt workflows and lower efficiency.

Managers and leaders can build a more inclusive workplace by updating traditional habits for a hybrid environment. Strong leadership can help replace old ways with new ideas that support inclusion.

3. Even with warnings about security risks

With the start of remote work, Shadow IT skyrocketed – now workers have access to more cloud applications than ever before. Using their own devices and networks at home has put organizations on alert regarding unauthorized use of apps they may not even know exist.

Unauthorized apps are common in the workplace and can cause major problems for organizations. Some risks of shadow IT include:

1. Data leakage from non-secured apps

2. Data privacy compliance violations

3. Redundancies in-app use that increase costs

4. Unprotected company data due to a lack of visibility

5. The employee leaves and no one can access the data in the unauthorized app

4. Remote work is growing in popularity

Remote employees can work from almost anywhere, like airports, hotels, or family gatherings. You might see them working on laptops in coffee shops or connecting with friends while on the job. This flexibility lets people blend travel with work.

Companies that do not protect their data during remote access are easy targets for cyber attackers. One common method, called a man-in-the-middle attack, happens when hackers join public networks and use software to intercept sensitive information from other users on the same network.

When working remotely, using a business VPN helps protect your data and privacy. These services are simple to use. Just turn on the app, and it will send your information through secure, encrypted servers at a reasonable cost.

5. No one wants to be stuck in a cycle of miscommunication

Despite the surge of virtual meetings in recent times, tech-related blunders are spoiling these gatherings. As much as 85% of remote workers report disruptions due to technical difficulties – making successful team conferences increasingly more difficult!

Every digital workplace needs reliable communication tools like video calls, audio chats, and other cloud-based services. By investing in up-to-date technology, teams can stay connected and avoid problems.

Every digital workplace needs reliable communication tools like video calls, audio chats, and other cloud-based services. By investing in current technology, teams can stay connected and avoid problems.

Make your hybrid office run smoothly and boost productivity.

If you want to improve your digital workplace, now is a great time to start. Contact us to learn how our experts can help you use technology to boost productivity.