Workplace Transformation to propel business and human progress in next decade

Authored by Alok Ohrie, President and Managing Director, India Commercial, Dell EMC

Standing on the threshold of the fourth industrial revolution and witnessing how emerging technologies like AI, IoT, cognitive computing, augmented reality, and robotics are leaving a significant impact on the business as well as workplace, it’s now well understood that workplace transformation is no longer a good-to-have thing; instead it’s a business essential. Supporting this fact is a new McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) report, revealing that a dozen technologies could go a long way in adding a whopping $1 trillion to GDP by 2025. 

Human history bears a unique similarity between industrial revolutions. If we look closely, we’ll see every industrial revolution revolved around new technologies, transforming the way work was done. The same holds true even for today. And that is probably the reason why every organization should embrace workplace transformation to not only drive their business success but also ensure human progress. 

On the other hand, from the employee point of view, technology is increasingly emerging as a critical factor for job selection. 91% of Gen Z-ers have revealed that the technology provided by an employer would play a significant role in selecting among similar job opportunities*. It’s, thus, almost certain that GenZs are not only bringing high-end tech skills but also a higher level of digital maturity with them, which is undoubtedly crucial for every workplace. 

So, what’s the future of the workplace in India? Or better to say how emerging technologies will reshape the workforce and workplace for the future? 

1. More IoT – More Efficiency & Better Collaboration 

The Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the major forces influencing today's workplaces and workforce. Smart meeting spaces enhance collaboration between teams, thereby unleashing the true human potential. Wearable devices that ensure employees' well-being can transform the engagement of the employees with the employer. And as obvious, all such things will ultimately enhance organizational outcomes. 

2. Workplace transformation buoyed by Virtual reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) 

AR and VR can unlock more opportunities for workplace connectivity and optimized training for the workforce. Further, VR simulations play an effective role in gaining more insights into user customers and their experiences. AR/VR will see their growing adoption at the workplace in the coming time, and a Dell survey also vouches for the fact. As per the survey, global workplace professionals believe that in the coming time, AR/VR will help: 

Collaborate: 67 percent of millennials, while 48 percent of baby boomers think leveraging AR/VR production for meetings and collaborative products is critical. 

Train: 23 percent of professionals prefer using AR/VR products to pick up new skills and train themselves in virtual environments. 

Market: 19 percent of millennial professionals as against 11 percent of baby boomers would prefer using AR/VR products to present their ideas & products to their clients. 

3. Artificial Intelligence: More integrated into the workplace 

The role of artificial intelligence (AI) at the digital workplace will become more pervasive and integrated in the coming time. Over the next decade, AI will be used by organizations to manage things more effectively. In other words, it will be completely integrated into the workplace. The systems we are now using to record our operational data will ultimately emerge as the foundation of work based on which, critical decisions will be taken. 

But AI will never be a substitute to humans. Instead, they’ll replace monotonous and repetitive administrative tasks allowing for productive use of time by employees and professionals to acquire new skills. 

For example, with our Precision systems, users can deploy and manage cognitive technology platforms, comprising Deep Learning (DL), Machine Learning (ML), and Artificial Intelligence (AI). 

4. Cybersecurity threats will continue 

In 2019 and ahead, organizations will strengthen their data security framework and strategy. With mobility becoming an integral element of workspace, there will be a spurt in the number of devices connected to an organization’s infrastructure. It opens up possibilities of cyberattacks and attaches more importance to endpoint security. 

Simply implementing security devices and software won’t suffice to eliminate the threats that are projected to come up due to the distributed workplace. Advanced security solutions, for example, Dell’s encryption and Enterprise Digital Rights Management (EDRM), are now the need of the hour. 

In conclusion 

We, at Dell Technologies have remained in the forefront of partnering with enterprises in their journey and as an IT Partner of Choice, we are committed to the success of our customers. It’s our extraordinary partnership that is propelling continued success in our digitalization projects across the country, irrespective of sectors and industries. 

IoT, AR/VR, Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity – a cauldron of technology-led revolution is brewing up. So, as I look ahead, I’m more optimistic than ever about the opportunity for organizations to transform themselves and equip their workplace to enable a culture of exploration and innovation, which will be become a strong competitive edge. 

The times ahead are exciting!