Introduction
The manner people function and transact business is being altered and reshaped by the advancement of workplace technology. As technology has developed, it has changed many aspects of life, including how people interact and go about their daily business. Every aspect of life is impacted by technology; thus, it is even inconceivable to live without it because of how accustomed individuals are to it. People believe they cannot live sustainably without technology because it is like our second nature, similar to breathing. It impacts how things are done at work, which can positively and negatively affect an employee’s performance. While technology can benefit social networking, information exchange, and improved efficiency, its use in the workplace can impact worker efficiency and pose privacy and security risks (Montealegre and Cascio 60). Therefore, this paper will discuss how technology improves people’s work and how software and computer programs can assist people in working more efficiently; this paper also provides a counterargument.
The Advantages of Technology in the Workplace
Technology has changed the way people interact in the workplace today. Communication has advanced to a new level with the introduction of smartphones, social media platforms, and chat apps. Communication between staff, administration, subordinates, or management is now quick, instantaneous, more premeditated, cooperative, and unified. Users can message, chat, or even hold a conference with top management or employees using social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Zoom, or Skype. According to Montealegre and Cascio, because of technological advancements, people are no longer required to be present at their place of employment at all times. Hence, people can continue important work outside of the office by using video chats and conferences while staying in touch with their coworkers who are present.
Furthermore, all levels of security are necessary to guarantee the efficient operation of the business workplace. Innovation is essential to achieving this since it offers programs and tools with end-to-end information encryption algorithms accessible to and readable by only authorized parties. Computer systems used in offices now have an additional layer of security thanks to face and biometric recognition capabilities (Schulte and Howard). As a result, businesses employ cutting-edge technology, security tools, and algorithms to guarantee that confidential material is only accessible to the right people and shielded from malicious security breaches.
How Software and Computer Programs Impact Job Efficiency
Today’s employees are more productive than ever, thanks to technology’s impact on work in production and information exchange, and business activity and production volume have grown exponentially. Cascio and Montealegre allude that employees are more productive thanks to workplace technology, as tasks that used to take hours only take a few minutes. Clients and coworkers can receive instant messages from anywhere in the world. Because technology aids in the maintenance of a fully structured business, transferring reimbursements or proposals is nearly instantaneous. Project management software, for example, can help with task creation, assignment, evaluation, and evaluation. Managers and employers can conveniently monitor workplace operations to ensure everything runs smoothly. It improves the transparency, accountability, effectiveness, and timeliness of tasks assigned to individuals (Cascio and Montealegre 353). Today’s workplace has cutting-edge tools and software to improve workflow and productivity. Project management software increases task accuracy and quantity and supports risk assessment by signaling trouble whenever a task deviates from the plan and threatens to derail the project. Therefore, keeping the office organized with space management software enables more efficient space use.
In addition to project management software, HRIS technology can manage worker compensation packages. It can help with benefit auditing and management, as well as tracking employees throughout the PayScale, from hire to retirement. Employee self-service, paperless workflows, reporting, legislative changes, and business travel payments can all be aided by HRIS. HRIS can provide managers with comprehensive reports and information to effectively manage employee compensation, resulting in increased employee satisfaction. Most of a company’s benefit and incentive programs contribute to successful employee recruitment and job satisfaction (Schulte and Howard). Companies use HRIS systems to manage and organize employee information because they understand that individuals must offer competitive compensation benefits to attract and retain talented employees.
Furthermore, businesses increasingly rely on business productivity software, which provides various tools for overcoming daily challenges in strategy execution. It is simpler for managers to keep an eye on development at each stage of target completion and to offer prompt training or inspiration to maintain performance and timelines. Another example of how innovation can improve productivity and performance in organizations is this aspect (Cascio and Montealegre 349). Groundbreaking technology has increased economic output by enabling workers to complete tasks more quickly and precisely and lowering workplace interruptions.
Moreover, businesses are growing financially healthy because of groundbreaking computer technology software advancements that have proven more cost-effective. Every workplace has a few drudgery tasks that dedicated employees must complete. Installing SaaS tools at work can also assist in lowering this cost. Businesses can eliminate manual task management by computerizing operations at any time feasible and emphasizing the incorporation of multiple tasks when using SaaS tools (Griep et al. 97). Furthermore, automated procedures assist in keeping every document with its date and time recorded and providing more precise results. As a result, they are simple to recall for any business need. Greater profitability is achieved through overall cost control at multiple levels.
Counterargument Argument: Technology’s Drawbacks in The Workplace
Technology has made things more automated and streamlined, but it has also caused some issues in the workplace. Implementing these new practices requires some learning, even though technological advancements have generally increased workplace productivity and connected people and businesses more effectively. Due to computer monitors, staff division causes misunderstandings, and constant email checking lowers productivity (Schulte and Howard). Because some customers prefer the outdated process of gathering everyone for a meeting, making a list of ideas, writing them down, and printing out a copy of a document marked up with physical adjustments, automated voicemails may irritate customers.
Even with the greater wiggle room that operating from any place or as a freelancer in the service industry offers, employees continue to put in extra time at night, on the weekends, or even when they are ill. People can work whenever they want, from wherever they are, frequently resulting in longer work hours. It may appear that someone who works from home never leaves the office. When people always have a computer in their pocket connected to their work email, it can seem impossible ever truly to be off the clock. Worker return to a task is frequently prompted by flashing, buzzing, or “pinging” alerts (Montealegre and Cascio 65). Hence, when employees cannot detach, the stress of operating in work mode constantly impacts their effectiveness. People need breaks to perform at their best, just as the body needs sleep to function well.
Conclusion
The effects of technology at work are astounding, as traditional workplaces have evolved as a result. To keep up with the rate of change, business executives must adapt quickly. Businesses cannot afford to risk their enterprise’s security, revenue growth, and efficiency. As a result, business leaders can ensure maximum effectiveness and profitability in their contemporary workplace by implementing cutting-edge technological tools and facilities management software like QuickFMS. Technology has sped up and automated processes, but it has also impacted the workplace, which has resulted in some negative issues like the risk of data breaches, employee burnout, and clinical depression.
Works Cited
Cascio, Wayne F., and Ramiro Montealegre. “How Technology Is Changing Work and Organizations.” Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, vol. 3, no. 1, 2016, pp. 349–375.
Griep, Yannick, et al. “Technology in the Workplace: Opportunities and Challenges.” Flexible Working Practices and Approaches, 2021, pp. 93–116.
Montealegre, Ramiro, and Wayne F. Cascio. “Technology-Driven Changes in Work and Employment.” Communications of the ACM, vol. 60, no. 12, 2017, pp. 60–67.
Schulte, Paul, and John Howard. “The Impact of Technology on Work and the Workforce.” International Labour Organization, 2022, Web.