What does the workplace of the future look like?

The world we work in is rapidly changing, and workplaces today look nothing like they did 20 or even 10 years ago. By the year 2020, 50 per cent of the global workforce will be millennials, as opposed to baby boomers who have dominated the workplace for the last two decades.

This background of generational change, coupled with developments in technology that are revolutionising society, means that the future of work will be very different. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of those differences.

A completely mobile workforce

Even in 2018, more businesses than ever are employing mobile workers who don’t spend full days in the office and instead work remotely, from home or with devices while on the move. This style of work will only increase, as millennials use this mobility to prioritise their work-life balance, and focus on their productivity and work quality in a way that suits them best.

With more employees working remotely as people reject offices and commutes, communication and virtual collaboration tools will become more important than ever, and companies will spend more on quality tech solutions – enabling their workforce to chat and work together as if they were right next to each other.

Dependency on the cloud

Based on trends so far, it’s clear that mobility and cloud computing will continue as the technologies that define the future of work. Companies that are not already investing in cloud services must realise that these will be essential in the future, and should work quickly to incorporate cloud computing into their business strategy.

The cloud is essential for communication tools such as instant messaging and video-conferencing applications, as well as the collaboration tools such as file sharing and document-editing applications. We’ll almost definitely see more major tech companies start to provide single-application, cloud-based solutions that provide all of these functions to businesses in a uniform package.

Cybersecurity in the mobile workspace

As these changes unfold, and the landscape of the workplace transforms, companies will have to change their approach to cybersecurity. Currently, and traditionally, an employer has had the advantage of the controlled office environment where they provide the devices for their employees. If technology and work trends continue as they are, future employees will choose to use their own devices when working remotely, presenting new challenges for employers concerned with cybersecurity and access to data.

Ensuring all company and personal devices have anti-virus software installed is a basic first step, but the dangers presented by public Wi-Fi networks – essential for mobile working – also have to be countered. This can be achieved by training employees in security awareness, and ensuring any devices used for work are encrypted to protect valuable company and personal data.

If you’re looking for an IT support and services provider that understands where the future of work is headed, and can provide cloud computing and cybersecurity services to help you prepare for the future, then contact CodeBlue now and find out how we differ from other IT companies in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.