Empowering employees by enabling a modern workplace

Empowering employees by enabling a modern workplace

September 2017

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Table of contents

Introduction

Reap the benefits

How to create a successful digital workspace

Conclusion

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September 2017

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44%

In a 2017 survey, 44% of American workers said they worked from two or more locations in an average week

Employees want more. And that’s good for business.

Gone are the days of the 9-to-5 office job. In a 2017 survey, 44% of American workers said they worked from two or more locations in an average week, and nearly half said they keep working off the clock. They’re doing it because employers expect it, and in return employees expect flexible hours and the right technology to do their best work. Enter, the digital workspace

Introduction

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Empowering employees by enabling a modern workplace

What is a digital workspace?

The digital workspace is the technological extension of your physical workspace, enabling remote and real-time collaboration. It’s comprised of the familiar apps and programs employees use to collaborate, produce and be accountable, plus emerging technologies that bring new ways to connect, produce and, create remotely.

The bottom line is . . .

Employees who use digital workspaces are also more collaborative, accountable, and engaged. In fact, the highest rates of engagement, according to a 2017 Gallup study, came from those who spent 60% to 80% of their time away from the office.¹ That’s good news for the 88% of businesses citing employee engagement as a top priority for 2018.

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Empowering employees by enabling a modern workplace

Now it’s your turn to reap the rewards. Here, you’ll discover more benefits of expanding your digital workspace footprint and learn how to define the right technologies to empower your employess.

September 2017

Empowering employees by enabling a modern workplace

Reap the benefits Why digital workspaces work

It seems counterintuitive, but workers tend to be more accountable, efficient, and creative outside the office. In a 2017 study by Microsoft of businesses worldwide, 67% cited increased productivity, 53% saw increased employee engagement, and 43% experienced revenue growth as a direct result of adopting digital workspaces.² Why? Because physical offices are hotbeds of distraction. And interruptions. And meetings. Given the chance to focus and work comfortably, your employees will deliver above and beyond expectations.

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Mobility becomes effortless–and profitable

This is the golden age for sales representatives and other professionals in the field. Now they can be outfitted with the right technology to work seamlessly from anywhere, at any time. Digital workspaces provide the flexibility, security, and reliability they need to give customers the highest-quality service–which is good for the bottom line.

You should know:• Through increased productivity, reduced facility

costs, and lower employee turnover, employees in the U.S. who work remotely at least half of the time can save organizations more than $11,000 per employee/per year.³

Collaboration improves

Did you know that your team can whiteboard remotely? With today’s cloud technology, you can share and edit live documents, record your call for later, and mark up a whiteboard in real time. Studies show it can even be more productive—and better documented—than in-person meetings.

Empowering employees by enabling a modern workplace

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You should know:• Through increased productivity, reduced facility

costs, and lower employee turnover, employees in the U.S. who work remotely at least half of the time can save organizations more than $11,000 per employee/per year.³

Collaboration improves

Did you know that your team can whiteboard remotely? With today’s cloud technology, you can share and edit live documents, record your call for later, and mark up a whiteboard in real time. Studies show it can even be more productive—and better documented—than in-person meetings. You should know:• 58% of Americans believe remote workers are just as

productive as those who work in a business office.⁴• 75% of Millennials would prefer to work from home

or other locations where they feel they could be most productive. However, only 43% currently are allowed to do this.

Empowering employees by enabling a modern workplace

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Empowering employees by enabling a modern workplace

Employee engagement increases

Studies show that workers with a say in how they work have more favorable opinions of their employers. In fact, newcomers to the workforce expect it. Digital workspaces convey a mutual respect and dedication to innovation, which ultimately bodes well for recruiting and retention.

You should know:• 42% of small business employees would take a

lower-paying job if it offered a greater degree of workplace flexibility.⁵

• 92% of employees say that having the technology to do their job efficiently affects their work satisfaction.⁶

• 59% of North America Millennials define work/life balance as “flexible work hours”.⁷

• 63% of Millennials say they’re more likely to join a company that offers the option to telecommute (along with 57% of GenX, 41% of Boomers).⁸

September 2017

How to create a successful digital workspace

It’s an exciting time for employers. Workplace technologies have become more robust, empowering everyone to be creative and to work together, seamlessly and securely. As you build your digital workspace, consider not only the technology you’ll use, but also your organizational culture. Here are some tips for getting the best results:

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Expand your mindset

Stop thinking servers and start thinking cloud. The reality is that approximately 3.7 million Americans already work from home two or more days per week, 43% work remotely in some capacity (Gallup), and they take 1.3 million business trips each day. Envision your employees working not just at the office, but at home, while traveling, or in the middle of the night. What will they need to get the job done?

Choose technology that evolves with you

Of companies that describe themselves as more profitable than their competitors, 88% have adopted at least one technology solution associated with a digital workplace. That said, remote workspaces are not one-size-fits-all. Think of your organization’s unique, immediate needs, as well as your long-term vision. For example, do you need a complete system overhaul, or would a simple file-sharing or collaboration solution make the most impact?

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Empowering employees by enabling a modern workplace

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Empowering employees by enabling a modern workplace

Choose technology that evolves with you

Of companies that describe themselves as more profitable than their competitors, 88% have adopted at least one technology solution associated with a digital workplace. That said, remote workspaces are not one-size-fits-all. Think of your organization’s unique, immediate needs, as well as your long-term vision. For example, do you need a complete system overhaul, or would a simple file-sharing or collaboration solution make the most impact?

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Conclusion

Digital workspaces are good for your people–and good for business

As you begin to provide more digital workspaces for your employees, you’ll quickly discover that “when you work from home, you’re not working” is a myth. In fact, you’ll see that employees are more productive, collaborative, and flexible with their time. You hired them for their smarts and talent, and now you can give them the tools and support they need to do you proud.

See how Microsoft 365 can help you transform from physical to digital.

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Empowering employees by enabling a modern workplace

Sources:

1 “Out of the Office: More People Are Working Remotely, Survey Finds.” New York Times. Feb. 15, 2017.

2 Global Survey: Companies are unprepared for the arrival of a true digital workplace. Executive Summary.Avanade. 2017

3 GlobalWorkplaceAnalytics.com, telecommutingstatistics, January 2016.

4 “In U.S., Telecommuting for Work Climbs to 37%.”Gallup. Aug. 19, 2015.

5 “The End of the 9-5 Workday: New PTO ResearchReveals Workplace Flexibility is a Major Priority.” JustWorks. Jan. 26, 2017.

6 “The Ultimate Software 2016 National Study onSatisfaction at Work.” Ultimate Software. 2016.

7 “Understanding a misunderstood generation.”Universum.

8 “Managing the Multigenerational Workforce.”CompTIA. October 2015.

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