The more the term modern workforce is thrown around, the less clear its meaning becomes. Recently, it has become synonymous with the concept of a remote or distributed workforce – and while a modern workforce may very well be comprised of a distributed team, this is certainly not the only factor that makes a company a modern workforce. We consider a truly modern workforce to be a firm that:

Uses technology to its full potential

Modern workforces stay atop of technology trends, without blindly adopting every new invention that appears on the market. They use technology to make their work life easier and free up more time for real human communication with clients and adding value to the services they offer them.

Plans but adapts

The smartest of firms have concrete plans for the future (that also cater to expectations of industry changes), but allow themselves to be nimble and adaptable to the unexpected. In these uncertain times, adaptability and flexibility is what sets a firm apart from the rest. Furthermore, with the digital takeover of the industry, future-focussed firms are prepared for accidents like data loss with multiple backups in different formats and locations.

Examines, experiments and adjusts

Improvement-minded firms are constantly testing new ways of working and new tools to make everyday office life easier and more efficient. They understand that adding more technology to the mix will not always improve their work life, and they accept that sometimes, certain tools and procedures stop being as effective as they once were. They measure effects quantifiably and act accordingly. They stay on top of what’s happening in the industry and what others are doing.

Builds a team

The most successful firms create a strong sense of team and community within the firm. They tie the company together by a shared vision of purpose (not just an office space). They create unity without uniformity, they listen to and give equal respect to team members at all levels, and they make the workplace a fun and encouraging place to be.

How Technology and the Cloud helps the Modern Workforce

There are a number of benefits with cloud computing which makes it possible for staff to work from anywhere, anytime and any device. The cloud makes it possible to access the company data from anywhere there is an internet connection. It can be accessed with a smart phone, tablet, laptop or any other mobile device with internet capability. Whether you have employees who need to travel to meet with clients, or people work on job sites located around the country – mobilizing your workforce with cloud computing offers a wide variety of benefits:

Increased Productivity

When your employees can access all of your software, data and business applications from any location they can take their work with them. If they travel, work on location at client job sites, or have any other need for remote access, the cloud improves efficiency by making it possible to access the data in real-time rather than waiting until the employee returns to the office. When employees attempt to enter expense report data or other details upon return to the office, there are often inaccuracies and mistakes that can be avoided when the employee can complete their responsibilities in real-time.

Improved Security

When you use cloud computing, your employees can access all data via a secure internet connection and avoid the need for storing anything on the device itself. If a mobile device is lost or stolen, it can be removed from the company network remotely to prevent unauthorized access to company data.

Access to all Files

When you use a cloud network, you create a central database where all files live and are viewable to everyone who has been provided access to them. If something needs to be changed, the edits are made and saved in real-time – viewable by anyone else who is also viewing the document from any device, anywhere in the world. Your business activities shouldn’t come to a standstill because one team member is out sick or on vacation

Streamline and Automate

The cloud also makes it possible to automate many of your daily tasks. The more time you save with automation, the more you can put that time into more productive activities for the business. When you mobilize your workforce with cloud computing, you can view and approve any data necessary from anywhere, eliminating the bottleneck that occurs when the business owner or manager is out of the office.