Technological advancements were already leaving their prints on the work environments when covid 19 accelerated their impact process.

Now, it is impossible to remain competitive if you live under a rock. The only way to ensure your company’s survival in the ever-evolving market is to keep up-to-date with the new workstyles and follow the tech trends closely.

Let’s look at some tech trends which are popular these days.

1. Zero Trust Security

Enterprise information is one of the most valuable company assets. Its security is directly linked to client trust and the company’s reputation and position in the competitive market.

With a remote and distributed workforce, the need to share information through the cloud increases the risk of data theft and security breaches. Because of these security issues, zero trust security is on the rise.

As the name suggests, the system and strategies work on the ‘never trust, always verify’ principle. Under this architecture, the firewall cover is never considered safe; the system always supposes a breach.

After this, each request to access data is verified explicitly to allow only the least privileged acquisition. The user authentication is strict and multifactor; location, role, device, and data sensitivity are evaluated before the digital doors are open.

Along with passwords, biometrics and one-time codes are used as well. After confirming the identity and request purpose, the access provided is limited to exactly what the requester’s role requires.

Another key feature of the zero-trust approach is that it doesn’t matter if you are trying to gain entrance or are already inside the system’s premises. You are still considered hostile – a threat.

For this reason, one acquisition can require multiple identification tests. Many employees and companies use resources such as 1password for android to speed up the encryption process on their trusted work devices; it further secures their cloud-linked devices from threats.

2. Cloud Technologies

Cloud technology is one of the most popular trends; currently, about 94% of enterprises use it. Amongst all cloud services, Software as a Service (SaaS) is the most in-demand technology nowadays.

Instead of hiring developers or investing more in the IT department, companies buy software licenses from cloud providers. Companies also use SaaS integration tools to make web apps and webpages with little effort.

Thanks to cloud tools, companies no longer have to invest in their hardware; they can use the Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) tool and unlimited storage.

Where general SaaS falls short, companies can use Platform as a Service (PaaS) cloud computing to equip their IT department for personalized application projects. Through PaaS, developers get access to fully-equipped developing environments without straining the budget.

Because of the cloud, enterprises cut down costs significantly. Since most cloud services are available on a ‘pay-as-you-go’ basis, their finance department only has to worry about the billings related to company needs.

It is a significant advantage to startups or small businesses with a tight budget, as it allows them to use their investments in other demanding inlets.

Cloud technology’s accessibility enables companies to have remote workers while maintaining a transparent system. These services give great agility to enterprises as well. The services and resources can be subscribed to anywhere at any time and for any period within a few minutes.

3. AI and Task Automation

In the early years of artificial intelligence, the fear of being replaced by machines had taken over the masses. For years, AI was seen as a threat: something that could make you unemployed.

But, analyzing the impacts of AI in the modern workspace, it is safe to say that AI didn’t steal jobs; it made them easier. Artificial intelligence and task automation removed redundancies and repetitive tasks from the ‘to-do’ lists of many employees.

Companies use AI-powered conversational solutions to reduce response time when a client contacts them. It reduces the workload on the customer service and IT departments.

Many Human Resources (HR) departments have incorporated AI into the hiring process. AI helps remove the conscious and unconscious bias. Additionally, HR uses chatbots to support training activities. It has relieved the HRs from mundane tasks such as giving remote call center agents guidelines.

Because AI takes the burden of repetition off the staff’s shoulders, they have more time and energy to spend on other valuable tasks and building healthy workplace relationships. It leads to a more focused, friendly, and productive environment.

4. IoT

An efficient workplace is built on healthy task distribution and clear communication among the employees. But think about taking it a step further – enabling things to communicate.

Internet of Things (IoT) is the concept of using intelligent devices to sense and process environmental changes and make changes accordingly. IoT devices have attracted millions of users, with over 83% of the enterprises integrating IoT in their workplaces.

In modern workplaces, IoT devices are used for intelligent control of energy and resources. On average, about 30% of business energy is wasted. Using IoT devices with sensors, the amount of wasted energy is reduced. Moreover, IoT has increased productivity too.

IoT’s modernized communication techniques, presentation tools, smart desks, and voice-activated technology make company operations more seamless. The prospects of IoT are even fascinating.

It can collect more data which can make the job of data analytics easier. It can also help with geolocation tracking, which has the potential for streamlining customer service based on cluster reviews.

5. Collaboration Tools

Modern offices go beyond the four walls: the workforce is sometimes divided over different time zones. Post-covid, many in-city employees prefer to work from home too. It can make collaboration difficult as emails and fax are inadequate. Because of this, the need to use better collaboration tools has increased.

Modern collaboration tools enable quick and easy sharing of feedback and ideas; you can update your colleagues on any lead in real-time.

Using online collaboration sn tools, shared calendars, real-time document tools, screen sharing, and interactive whiteboards have enabled all team members to show their progress and express their thoughts. Teams can be in the same rooms despite being thousands of miles away through video calls.

Many companies use collaborative workflow software to create collaboration environments top. This software builds a customized and private environment with all the tools mentioned earlier.

It also includes tag-based messaging and notifications to make communication more effective – no important message goes unnoticed. Utilizing the reporting portals and dashboards, collaborators can also inform the stakeholders or the higher-ups of the progress.

Final Thoughts

An intelligent work environment is agile and innovative. Being on the leading edge of current technologies while adjusting to different workstyles allows businesses to stay competitive.

A flexible and accommodating workspace is pivotal and essential in the era of a distributed workforce. It is why collaboration tools have gained popularity; they assist in engaging teamwork and interconnection.

Cloud technologies have enabled using resources and services over the internet with low cost and high accessibility. Lastly, Automation – through AI and IoT – has reduced the waste of human resources and utilities.