Technology and the Workplace: How Modern Tech Can Impact Your Company Culture

The rapid pace of technological advancements has caused notable disruption in the business world. Companies in all industries have had to maintain an ongoing policy of adaptation to emerging technologies in order to stay competitive. Generally speaking, new technology in the workplace has led to improved efficiencies across all department and functions. However, with each new development comes new processes and organizational impacts. Here, we’re taking a look at how the implementation of modern technology affects company culture in today’s workforce.

Organizational Culture

Organizational or company culture refers to the values and behaviors that contribute to the unique social and psychological environment of a business – and it’s been a buzzword for the past few years since millennials have become the majority generation in the workforce. With the evolving outlook on what the ideal office environment or work-life balance looks like, company culture has grown into one of the leading factors employees look at when deciding where they want to work. To retain employees and attract new ones in the highly competitive market for talent, modernizing office spaces with the latest technologies is essential. 

Technology’s Impact

Modern technology has revolutionized how businesses operate. As the CIO of Media & Entertainment Customer Experience at AT&T Satish Alapati, has stated, “The role of technology has evolved from automating the business to actually being the business.” Everything from employee communication, departmental productivity, and customer service have been affected by the recent influx of new technologies. While these advancements have contributed to greater efficiency and more streamlined processes, it’s important to consider the people involved in these day-to-day functions and how their jobs and environments are influenced. 

Communication

Effective communication is essential to a successful business. Improved telecommunication tools such as video conferencing and instant messaging (e.g., Slack) have contributed to more efficient and communicative work environments regardless of employee location. Thanks to these tools, remote work is increasing and, in turn, significantly affecting company cultures.

Organizations with remote workers need to be vigilant about creating inclusive cultures that foster effective communication across all departments and locations. It’s now essential to consider factors like communication preferences and time zone differences to ensure all employees are appropriately set up for optimal productivity and feel connected to their coworkers. 

As communication technologies continue to improve, we’ll likely see a continuous rise in remote work and, therefore, evolving company cultures. However, organizations will need to make a conscious effort to avoid relying too heavily on tech-centered communication that could put office comradery at risk. Managers should encourage in-person communication whenever possible to maintain a positive and collaborative company culture.

Leadership

Business leaders are responsible for changes in their organizations, including implementing new technology. When properly managed, technological advancements can pave the way for office tools, amenities, and employee resources that facilitate positive company culture. Take Mark Hurd, CEO of Oracle Corporation, for example. Having experienced his fair share of innovation in the office, he encourages other leaders to use the changing workplace to their advantage by working with HR leadership to create programs, incentives, and cultures that make a company a highly desirable employer.

Savvy CEOs recognize the potential modern technology holds for a company and how the right tools can elevate employee satisfaction and overall company success. Ultimately, leadership sets the tone for corporate culture, so it’s important that the actions, words, and beliefs of your company’s leaders stimulate engagement, productivity, and growth. 

Productivity

Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning enable organizations to reassess how work is allocated for optimal efficiency. By automating mundane, repetitive tasks with AI, employees can spend more time on high-priority responsibilities, which, in turn, creates a greater sense of satisfaction at work. Additionally, modern performance tracking tools will provide insight into employees’ strengths and weaknesses. Through this data, managers can pinpoint where their staff may need additional assistance or where employee skills can be more effectively utilized. These types of tools may also enable managers to provide ongoing feedback to employees rather than once-a-year check-ins. 

As technology advances and the importance of company culture increases, the modern workplace will have to adapt in step. Business leaders who want to grow their company and attract and retain top talent will need to adjust their organizations to best suit both of these dominant factors.

Simon Clark is a tech and business writer from Seattle.

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