In the wake of the digital and technological advances that continue to shape workplaces in every industry nowadays, enterprises must have an up-to-date workforce. According to a survey report released by the International Data Corporation, 44 percent of companies have endorsed digital-first customer experience, while 85 percent of enterprises believe that if they don’t adapt significant digital transformations, they might be at risk of a revenue crunch. It is now a commonplace occurrence for many organizations to operate primarily online, with widespread workplace mobility.
But technology is a rapidly evolving thing. While enterprises and organizations increasingly conduct training and demo sessions to familiarize the staff with new technology, there are some common problems that people face while using tech in the workplace. Excelling in the new workplace is not only about having virtual know-how of the technologies. It also concerns awareness of etiquette and making due diligence.
- How Do I Know What My Company Expects From Me and My Technology Usage?
Each workplace will vary in its IT policies. As an employee, it is your responsibility to
read the IT policies. Focus on the nuances of your portion of the job, and drill the work-culture and environment into your thinking. Be aware of how you can use the office printer, what sites can be legitimately browsed from your office computer, and how “not” to use the office Wi-Fi. These things are more about professional etiquette that most of us already know. But if your office is cutting you some slack, you need to understand the expectations.
- What Do I Do If My Computer Isn’t Working Well?
Say your computer slows down, you restart the system, and it runs fine, so every time it happens, you do the same drill. This is fine but if your simple fix doesn’t work, you should let your administrator know. The company might have an IT team to address any technical issues but if they don’t, they can easily bring someone in for the repair. For a company with no IT team, it is best practice to find and keep a local on-site business computer repair service on call.
- Who Is Responsible For The Data Of My Computer?
Of course, it’s you who inputs your data. But as far as safety and protection of the data are concerned at a technical level, it is primarily maintained by the server, hardware storage, or network storage used by the enterprise. You should have back-up files kept in different locations to work as a proxy if there is a loss of data.
- What Is The Etiquette Of Using Mobile Devices In The Workplace?
You may or may not have strict rules regarding using your phone or tablet at work. Either way, you should turn your device to silent mode, shorten your calls, and schedule important personal calls like those from the bank, or your child’s school, a hospital, etc. Again, make it subtle.
- What is Acceptable Internet Usage at Work?
Most companies will have specific guidelines on acceptable internet usage at work and on your work device, but it’s best practice to keep anything non-work-related off your office device. Of course, you shouldn’t use your work email to exchange pleasantries with your family and friends. But it is equally important that you refrain from using your office internet as an alternative for personal banking, browsing, or even online shopping.
- How Do I Avoid Computer Viruses?
Here’s the thing, you cannot necessarily avoid malware from attacking your devices and servers. The best you can do is to have adequate and updated computer protection software and regular monitor weaknesses. Your company will provide the software but you might be responsible for regular upkeep.
Scan hardware, data cards, and USB drives before connecting, and turn off the wireless connections like Bluetooth and GPS when not needed. Do not leave the system on overnight unnecessarily.
- How Do I Communicate With My Coworkers?
Instant messaging is quicker than emails. It might become even become the primary mode of communication. But standard protocol dictates that discussions and decision-making concerns that take longer than five minutes to resolve should be emailed or on the phone. While an occasional non-work-related message is fine, you should not use the company messaging tool for this purpose all day.
- How To Avoid Procrastination
Getting accustomed to new technologies can often take a toll on employees, who have otherwise no use of that stuff outside of the office, and seem to fall prey to procrastinating behavior. Try to implement a more flexible and supportive environment, with on-site administrative services, prompt assistance, and a compassionate approach.
- How To Connect With A Scattered Remote Team
Whether you are working with freelancers or temporarily shifted base to remote operations, it is crucial that you have an all-in conference and set some basic rules. Implement easy-to-operate real-time tracking mechanisms, maintain production scores, and seamless communication modes (like instant messaging) to bring it under your control.
- Evolve With The Workplace
Workplaces are about growth, not only for your career but also on a personal level. So please give a bit of your time and attention to learn new technology, and use it reasonably. It is always okay to ask questions even if they are one ground level.
