Sam Button, Head of Growth, Roar Media
If we look at technological advances throughout the history of digital capabilities, the increase in our current technological ability is predicted to be 1,000 times more advanced than present day, in just 11 years. Over the next 30 years, the trend shows a curve that will lead to the technological advancement by 2050 being 1,000,000,000 times further ahead than now. If true, this would mean that the slowest pace of technological change in our lifetimes has already passed.
That is because technology and digital capabilities are expanding everyday through the invention, advancement and expansion of new technologies & ideas. With a vast amount of emerging technologies including IoT, Blockchain, AI, AR/VR, 5G, Automation & many more. Throughout the corporate, commercial & public world, being ahead of the curve has been paramount to success but deciding the process and which new disruptive technologies to adopt has been a minefield for many organisations. The landscape is constantly evolving making it almost impossible to stay ahead as technology is changing the way we live and work on a daily basis.
With an exponential rate of change in technology with IoT, AI, Cognitive computing, worldwide accessibility increasing and technology infiltrating all walks of life, business efficiency and productivity is expected to see increase incrementally, parallel to technology. However, this has not been the case, for the simple reason that people and underpins all technological advances and harnessing digital capabilities.
It is important to understand that digital innovation includes new processes, workflows and tools enabled by technology. However, to truly transform you need all employees within the organisation to have the correct mindset and behaviours to adopt and learn new technologies. Company culture can be adapted through an implemented structure of introducing ideas and involving employees within the short and long term goals of digital transformation with some publications stating the success rate of transformation is 8x more likely when senior executives communicate with employees across all levels of the organisation.
It is important to remember that there is a fear that technology will cause a revolution in the way we work and people need to be alleviated of these fears and empowered to the true capabilities of digital advances. It is vital to educate employees that technology will increase their own efficiency, reduce stress and repetitive tasks. Aligning the workforce capabilities with the digital enhancement has a knock on effect which leads to a constantly evolving organisation that strives to harness technology in every facet, with many employees being given the opportunity to provide feedback and start projects which they believe will improve the digital workplace and customer experience.
Empowering employees and closing the digital skills gap through training increases cohesion, collaboration, understanding and mastery of digital processes. If the interpretation of digital innovation is positive for members of various teams, there is a likelihood they will look to develop their skills and educate other team members of the productivity increase they are benefiting from through embracing new technology systems in place. However, to be truly lean & seeing the full potential of your digital innovation, you require the entire company to be working in unison and without reluctance to the changes implemented which can be a much tougher battle.
Strategically many aspects of business transformation are difficult to navigate, digital enablement, infrastructure, systems & technology are very important but one significant challenge puzzling every company around the world is ensuring employees are comfortable and non-resistant. There is a requirement to bring together HR & business heads in order to plan a strategy to change negative ways of thinking, into a workforce who are positive & engaged within the digital progression of the organisation. It is important to be considerate to all job roles & capability levels when establishing the training & education strategy. It is worth putting time into your workforce to ensure optimal enhancements from transformation.