How Digital Transformation impacts productivity?

People like to have the information technology (IT) tools they need to be

empowered, productive and successful at work. A recent survey shows that more

than half, 53% to be exact, of white-collar and higher-level professionals believe

that their company’s digital transformation priorities are focused on how to

increase profits instead of empowering employees. And most said their

companies would benefit from employee empowerment via investments in IT.

Lack of proper technology tools can hinder productivity and kill morale.

53% of surveyed employees said they would be more empowered to better

manage workflow if they were provided with the needed tools, and 42% said

these tools would not only speed up boring tasks but also result in better worker

morale. Another 38% believe a focus on worker empowerment via IT would allow

the company itself to change faster.

Of the 1,000-plus survey group, 76% added that having the digital tools they need

at work makes them more productive and more than half, 53%, said it makes

them more successful. A third said it makes them smarter, and 28% said it makes

them happier.

Increased Expenses vs. Benefits Of New Technology

Often, employers can be too concerned with incremental expenses to invest in

new technology. In fact, 44% of survey respondents said this was the case. And

31% of the employees said their company has a wait-and-see approach to new

technology.

This is major misstep by many companies, as investment in new technology can

lead to higher revenues in the long run – to the point that it has become an

absolute necessity in the retail sector. Advancing almost all areas of the business,

from the way supply chain is managed to providing and omni-channel customer

experience.

A lack of supervisor’s attention to employee needs is also an issue. Only 37% of

higher-level employees and 47% of white-collar employees said their bosses

understand their technological needs.

That’s unfortunate because not only are most professionals happier and more

productive when their employers provide the technology they need, they also feel

more connected to colleagues and their companies. That’s important at this time

of low unemployment, in which companies are scrambling to hire and keep the

best talent.

Of white-collar employees surveyed, 53% feel connected only to the people on

their team, and 37% feel connected only to people in their nearby vicinity. Those

figures are even lower among higher-level workers, at 50% and 30%.

The Importance Of Digital Transformation

Half of the survey group said they would find it easier to collaborate with

coworkers if their employers’ digital transformation efforts focused more on

employee empowerment. More than half said technology makes companies

better, yet only 48% said they are aware of their company’s digital transformation

strategy.

Companies that are digital laggards don’t perform as well as those that embrace

digital transformation. Technologists at Harvard Business School wrote,

“organizations that scored in the top quartile of our digital transformation index

obtained much better gross margins, earnings, and net income than organizations

in the bottom digital quartile. Other financial and operating indicators showed

similar disparities.”

These studies demonstrate why businesses shouldn’t hesitate when it comes to

digital transformation and ensure that employee empowerment is part of their

strategy. And speaking of disparities, people tend to assume only the youngest

workers place a high value on having the technology they need at work. But

research reveals that these digital natives are not alone.

Most employees understand the value of having the right digital tools to get the

job done. 68% of the 18 to 34 age group said having the digital tools they need at

work makes them more productive. That’s a significant share. But it’s even higher

– at 80% – for the 35 to 54 age group. And a whopping 83% of workers age 55 and

older agreed.

Technological advances not only allow companies to update their systems, offer

more ways for the consumer to connect and transact with a company, but also

free up employees to do more creative thinking.

Looking Beyond Financial Aspects Of Digital Transformation

The fact that growing revenues and profits are the driving force of digital

transformation makes perfect sense. Making money is why companies got into

business in the first place.

However, financial considerations shouldn’t be the sole focus of digital

transformation. Organizations must consider what successful digital

transformation means for them and how they can implement a plan to achieve

that vision.

Mapping out a digital transformation plan should include a critical assessment of

which digital tools employees need to efficiently get the job done. Only then can

organizations ensure they invest in the employee-facing technology solutions that

yield the highest employee engagement and, thus, the best customer

experiences.

It’s no secret that business has changed. In the recent past, businesses focused on

the product and – if customers were lucky – customer support came along for the

ride. But now experience is the centerpiece of everything businesses do.

Businesses that invest in their own people and the experiences they are having

within the organization, can deliver better experiences to their customers.