Creating a Digital Workplace

Now that we know what a digital workplace is, we must distinguish the difference between identifying a digital workplace and creating a digital workplace. Trying to create a digital workplace can be very awkward, especially for a traditional business or workplace. The main difference that separates a digital workplace from the creation of one is the implementation of new or emerging technologies. “The problem with the word ‘transformation’, is that it can be a bit daunting, at the best of times.” (D. Rowles, T. Brown, Ch. 8, P. 56) Digital Transformation or large-scale digital change can be done in numerous ways.

1)     Test Case:

-       “An action that may serve as a guide to the likely outcome of subsequent similar situations” (Oxford Dictionary) 

2)    Planned Incrementalism:

-       “Breaking down the long-term planning horizon into smaller entities” (S. Tillner, P. 419) 

3)     Strategy by Stealth:

-       Implementing digital change slowly and without any of the stakeholders knowing

4)     Major Change:

-       “A very rapid implementation, a clear plan of action, and little involvement of others” (J. Kotter, L. Schlesinger) 

                    Image Source: https://www.computerworld.com/article/3618001/how-to-create-a-digital-workplace.html

How does a business create a digital workplace? 

As stated before, implementing digital change throughout a business/workplace can be a complex task that can take a substantial amount of time if done properly, even then, knowing how to introduce it properly is knowledge that is not vastly known. However, there are ‘9 Pillars for Creating a Digital Workspace’ (Digital Transformation from The Inside Out, M. Dervin) that serve as a guide for digital transformation, “If even one of the pillars is missing, your project is likely to be unsuccessful” (Lamb et al, 2023):     

1)    Executive Support

2)    Effective Communication 

3)    Information Architecture

4)    Usability & Design 

5)    Search Strategy 

6)    Document Management 

7)    Social Technology 

8)    Governance

9)    User Adoption 

       References:

       1) Rowles, D. and Brown, T. (2017a) ‘Chapter 8, Page 56 ’, in Building Digital Culture: A practical guide to successful digital transformation. London: Kogan Page Limited. 

       2) Tillner , S. (2013) 1 incremental planning cooperative scenario and/or Masterplan? - corp, Incremental Planning – Cooperative Scenario and/or Masterplan? Long- and Short-Term Planning Horizon of Urban Design Projects within the Existing Urban Fabric. Analysis of Projects in Vienna and Switzerland with Regard to the Factors Triggering Varying Planning Times. Available at: https://conference.corp.at/archive/CORP2013_223.pdf (Accessed: 22 June 2023). 

      3) Kotter , J.P. and Schlesinger, L.A. (2022) Choosing strategies for change, Choosing Strategies for Change . Available at: https://hbr.org/2008/07/choosing-strategies-for-change (Accessed: 22 June 2023). 

      4) Dervin, M. (2018) Digital transformation from the Inside out: Work smarter, increase productivity and create a vibrant culture. Surrey Hills, Victoria: Marcus Dervin.