Part 1 of the second segment taken from Vega roundtable, Workplace Interrupted, moderator Heather Li asked our subject-matter experts whether the introduction of new technology should stimulate and change the working habits of the employee in a positive or negative way?
Recognising that workplace technology is moving into 'technology of the future,' Paul Cullum sited concerns for 'Black Mirror' scenarios where technology (with the best intentions) goes too far and could become counterproductive to the way people work. System Integrators, like Vega, are responsible for ensuring technology solutions developed for clients need to be relevant, and to get the balance in supporting rather than 'enslaving' employees.
"Technology should definitely be an enabler". Nicholas Lesek stated and followed with two questions when evaluating a new digital opportunity for the business; does it create convenience and experience to the user? Will it positively influence the cost of operations? If the business model does not tick both boxes, then it does not proceed. However, challenges arise if the internal customer does not really know what they want. Tom Herron suggested that gathering real-time data to validate is the key success factor, even if you do not have all the solutions immediately on hand.
Stay tuned for part 2 next week, Richard Claydon shares his thoughts on how workplace technology should activate and energise the workers? How will it add to productivity and improve performance.