Today, the workplace is not defined by hours spent at a desk, but rather by outcomes. In this era of widespread digital transformation, how can organisations keep up with the myriad changes in how we work?
I recently had the privilege of participating in a conversation at DTX (Digital Transformation Expo) Manchester that – amongst other topics – looked at how organisations secure the digital skills they need to keep up with this transformation. Dell Technologies, as a headline sponsor of the event, also hosted a breakout seminar, which focused on the demands of the next generation in the workplace.
Enabling seamless workplace technology
Technology has become integrated into every aspect of our lives and in many ways, our devices are an extension of ourselves. As a result, we consider it important that digital tools enhance our productivity and enable seamless collaboration, to work and innovate everywhere.
So, how do we facilitate this unified experience? To catalyse innovation, we are working with our customers to maximise the potential of their processes and empower their people to interact effectively with technology.
Embracing a flexible working culture that is centred around technology is key to attracting and retaining the best talent.
For the most recent generation of talent in the workplace, Generation Z – a demographic that is digitally native – we should consider creating an environment that provides them with technologies that are as seamless to use as those they would in their personal lives.
Isaac Doel is a Generation Z employee of Dell Technologies and spoke on our DTX Manchester panel. He said: “I’m of a generation that have only ever known remote and hybrid work. In my first job, I never went into the office.”
He added: “Technology needs to allow me to work wherever I am – whether on my laptop or my phone, in the office or at home. I need to be able to switch seamlessly between those devices and locations, leveraging the cloud so I can access workloads anywhere, allowing me to work more efficiently.”
Bradley Jenkins, from our partners at Intel – who co-sponsored DTX Manchester alongside Dell Technologies – also joined this discussion and highlighted the challenge that presented organisations in making this transition in recent years: “Prior to the pandemic, we had a device refresh at Intel every three years. But even the newest devices were challenged to keep up with the amount of workloads and data that moved locations.
“As a result, we now use telemetry data to look at the performance of a device and refresh on an as-needed basis, rather than based on a timestamp.”
Building a digital culture
Embracing a flexible working culture that is centred around technology is key to attracting and retaining the best talent. These models have been found to drive greater productivity and job satisfaction, reducing staff turnover and operating costs. At Dell Technologies, 60% of our workforce works remotely at any given time.
Organisations are now in the ‘Experience Era’, which is all about a holistic approach to shaping every aspect of the employee journey. HR and IT departments play a crucial role in fulfilling the needs of employees, regardless of their physical location.
For the first time in history, we now have four generations at one time in the workforce – Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials and Generation Z.
Louise Quennell, Regional Sales Director at Dell Technologies said: “By offering the right tools and enabling this flexibility and outcome-based approach, companies can create an appealing workplace for talent – focused on increasing productivity, enhancing well-being and constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of employees. “
Anjana Srinivasan, Devices Sales Lead at Microsoft told our panel that while employees believe in flexible work, Generation Z want part of their working life to be office-based: “We know that most employees want flexible work. But we are seeing that Gen Z want to be in the office at least some of the time, because they can learn from their peers.
“But most importantly, we need every employee working in the way that is best for them as an individual. Achieving success with flexible work starts with the culture. That is the foundation that any organisation is going to work on.”
The experience of Isaac Doel as an employee at Dell Technologies re-affirms this point: “I like to go into the office two or three times a week – allowing for in person engagements and training. But flexibility makes the workplace more accessible. Organisations can expand their talent pool, allowing for those who do not live as close to their physical location to join.”
Addressing digital skills
Anjana Srinivasan added that culture needs to be backed up by the best technology and the right training to use that technology: “You need to supplement culture with capability and training. Identify when it is you need your people to come together and when they need to be separate, and equip your flexible workforce to work no matter where they are. The PC is effectively the modern workplace, so ensure devices give people the productivity levels they want and that they are trained to use them.”
It is important that we help all of our people, regardless of their generation, with attaining the necessary digital skills to thrive in the modern workplace. At Dell Technologies, we have worked with amazing organisations like Talent Foundry and STEM Aspire to help train the next generation of talent. But upskilling and reskilling our people in other demographics is similarly important.
For the first time in history, we now have four generations at one time in the workforce – Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials and Generation Z. Each has different experiences and technology requirements. So, there is a careful balance to strike that not only caters to those digitally native younger age groups, but those established in the workforce, to retain them and unlock both their full potential, and that of our organisations.
Andy Davies, Product Director at payroll and finance software and services firm MHR, explained on our panel: “You need to look at what training all your people have. What will deliver competitive advantage for organisations is the yet-to-be unlocked expertise of your employees. These hidden talents will exist within your long-term employees, as well as new joiners. Providing the right systems and training to harness the employee’s full skillset will offer new opportunities to bridge the skills gap and expand knowledge pools.”
Making Progress
As the workplace continues to evolve, there is an exciting opportunity for organisations to embrace digital transformation and shift focus from hours to outcomes. By developing digital-first cultures, and the right training for all employees that enables us to get the best out of our people, processes and technology, organisations will attract and retain the best talent and create a culture of innovation.
For anyone who is exploring the opportunity of digital transformation in their workforce, Dell Technologies is a partner to support you on that journey. Find out more in our recent Innovation Index and get in touch.
And why not join our new Dell Drive Club, the online show where partners and customers challenge us to transform their business through tech. You can join special guests for debates, interactive moments, and insider insights into the latest solutions.
