The pandemic has changed how most businesses operate. The global dilemma has led us to pivot towards a more digital approach to things. While it is an assurance of an improved business process, it is difficult. There is a dire need to adapt, therefore, a digital transformation is now a need to be able to survive.
Now that the future of work has been reinvented, and accelerated because of the pandemic, business owners have one more challenge: elevating the Employee Experience. Companies are reforming culture and rethinking a whole new workplace. Naturally, it’s a big adjustment. This big adjustment, unfortunately, contributed to a decline in everyone’s mental health.
October is National Mental Health Month. A reminder that as we navigate through all these industry growth pains, we also need to make sure that employees can cope.
Positive Impact of Digitization
Digital products and services have revolutionized the way we work. The creation of these new technologies not only shapes our future environment but also paves the way for elevated productivity that everyone can embrace.
“Digitization has made making and keeping connections easier and more meaningful. You may not be able to drop-by your colleague’s desk physically but you can definitely say ‘Hi!’ or get updates on your projects using the many platforms available. In UNAWA, we even use UNAWA SignSecure to route a “welcome letter” for our new hires, which will be personally signed by the current team members. It adds a personal touch to welcoming a new employee even when we can’t be with them in person.” - Sally Dimalanta, Director of Human Resources and Administration.
In an increasingly paperless environment, it is not necessary to have a physical presence in the office anymore. With the rise of technologies such as tablets, scanning apps, cloud storage, e-billing and invoices, and now even e-signatures— virtual assistants can work from anywhere and get things done for you remotely.
With workflows becoming more seamless with digitization, collaboration across departments will be encouraged more. Since you have to rely on each other to get the job done without having to be physically present, there’s also enhanced transparency in internal communication.
How can digitization help care for employees’ mental health?
- Since employee engagement and empowerment are now amplified, expect your workforce to be more attuned to their tasks. Their productivity makes them feel efficient, and they feel good about themselves.
- A company who has renewed and integrated their digital infrastructure will have an easier time adjusting to the transformation. It gives them an edge over other organizations. Employees of said organizations are now reassured of their future with the company they are working for.
- Digitization has made it possible for remote work. While it is not for everyone, studies have shown an increase in productivity for employees who work from home. The comfortable environment allows them to do more. They also had less sickness and vacation leaves. This kind of flexibility, to be able to work off-premises, has given them the drive to finish work efficiently with minimum supervision.
- Innovation is the heart of digital transformation. Because of all these changes, employees are now given the chance to level up their skills and learn new things. Most will undergo training and the chance to grow is there. Workers will never feel stuck or stagnant in their position.
- Because of data and analytics, there are now apps that help determine what health needs you require. This way, you are being taken care of in advance and your productivity won’t be affected.
Conclusion
While there were past studies of technology contributing to dwindling mental health among people, more recent studies have shown that you can use technology to your advantage. The pandemic has given the world a glimpse of the future. As far as we know how to fully utilize all these transformations, I would say the future of a fully-digitized workforce is something to look forward to.