How Has Technology Changed the Workplace?
Technology has changed the workplace by making transnational communication possible; it has made communication faster and it has allowed employees to operate at a distance from their place of work. In addition, technology has made it necessary for workplaces to employ or outsource work to technicians.
Because of advances in communication technologies, there is less need for employees and clients to communicate face to face. Now many businesses make the most of conference calls, which allow them to speak to people in other areas of the world. As part of this, employees can collaborate with each other remotely. For example, they can work on documents in shared folders. Such changes began with the invention of the telegraph in the 1850s, but have rapidly advanced over the course of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Technologies like computers, the Internet and mobile phones have made it possible for employees to work from home. This leads to an easier work-life balance, but may also reduce interpersonal skills. Some believe that social media has made it easier for businesses to interact with clients and customers.
As a result of new technologies, workplaces are more dependent on IT professionals. This means employing them to resolve problems, or outsourcing work to them. Doing so is necessary, as many businesses are highly dependent on technology.
