Every day there are new technologies and trends that impact how, when and where you work.
In order to become more productive in the workplace, and invaluable, you will want to stay current with advancements in technologies that streamline functions. You can be the innovator to help your organization integrate automation technologies to improve efficiency.
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These are five things you can expect to see in the workplace in the upcoming year.
More personalized recruiting. There’s good news for job seekers who are tired of falling into the applicant tracking system black hole. Even with the advancements in technology, you can expect to see human resources put more emphasis into the personalization of the recruiting process. Chat bots will allow you to get answers to questions about the application or company on the spot. You may also experience greater engagement in online communities and social media by recruiters who are eager to stay in touch with potential candidates. Finally, the outreach you receive from recruiters could come as a text message, email or you may even receive a phone call. All these changes are happening due to the emphasis on creating a positive and memorable candidate experience. Recruiters don’t want to let the good candidates slip away.
Work from anywhere. Whether you call it telecommuting, virtual or remote work, the number of companies offering employees the opportunity to work somewhere other than an office is growing. In a recent “The Workplace of the Future” study, conducted jointly by Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA, Inc., a provider of office solutions, and Future Workplace, a workplace research firm, 76 percent of human resource leaders agreed that, “Work is not where you are. Work is what you get done.” However, remote workers face numerous challenges, such as feeling disconnected or being scrutinized by old-school managers who believe employees must be present to be effective. Employees new to working remotely will need to learn how to work closely with their managers and teams.
[See: 10 Things They Don’t Tell You About Your First Job.]
Robots of all kinds. There are many different types of robots, like the ones you’ve seen on manufacturing lines that assemble automobiles. Robots also allow you to use self-checkout at supermarkets. Robots are now making their way into offices and schools. They make an ideal solution for virtual workers who feel disconnected from co-workers. You may actually see off-site colleagues around the office via a tablet riding on top of a motorized robot. You can also expect to see robot receptionists that check in visitors and deliveries, like Alice, created by Konica Minolta. While robots have a tendency to eliminate jobs, they also create new jobs to support the technology. This is an important trend to keep in mind, especially if you have a job that can easily be replaced by a robot.
Bring your own device. Almost 80 percent of human resource leaders surveyed in “The Workplace of the Future” study said they allow employees to bring their own devices to work. Why? To increase productivity, according to a third of those same respondents. There are many productivity advantages to using your own device, including being familiar with your own tools, and saving time by being able to directly access files and information from one device. Security is one of the biggest challenges for organizations. You can do your part by keeping your device updated and using anti-virus protection. Finally, always follow your company’s acceptable use policies and procedures.
[See: Famous CEOs and Executives Share Their Best Career Advice.]
Micro teams. A micro team is a small team with a short-term goal, built for the sole purpose of meeting an immediate challenge or specific problem. Mark S. Babbitt, founder of YouTern, a community for young talent to connect to internships and mentors, said for the Career Sherpa blog that “we’ll start to see an end of the emphasis of ‘fit within company culture.’ Instead, employers will stress the ability to work within mission-focused micro teams … hiring will focus exclusively on subject matter expertise, entrepreneurial spirit and passion for the mission.” You may think this sounds like temp work, and you might be right. The workloads within many organizations fluctuate throughout the year. Micro teams address the shifting needs for labor. This means it is even more important for you to manage your career. You should monitor and grow your personal reputation, by always doing your best work and make sure leadership is aware of your contributions. Build online visibility with a personal website and LinkedIn page to help future assignments find you. And finally, always keep your professional network alive by staying in touch with people you once worked with.
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5 Technology Advancements That May Impact a Workplace Near You originally appeared on usnews.com
