Virtual Workplace

Our company like many around the globe is focused on identifying ways to soften the blow of rapidly escalating gas prices. We are exploring mobility tools that help to bring people together in a virtual work environment including presence awareness, unified messaging, VoIP telecommunications and the like. What is interesting to me is that there wasn’t much of push for these solutions until the current oil price escalation crisis hit people where it hurts; their pocketbook.

There are a number of other strategic drivers that should have companies pushing for better tools in this regard. Baby-boomer retirements are beginning to gear up, the work-place has become increasing global, and the next generation of workers is less likely to move to take a job. Many of these trends have been written and talked about for at least the past 5 years and it seems that only a few companies are beginning to respond with meaningful employee related solutions.

Some executives that I network with are still not convinced that virtual workplace solutions are needed. They think workers must conform to historical norms and show up at the office every day. What they don’t seem to grasp is that other companies will offer more employee friendly working options regardless of a company’s cache thereby creating a competitive advantage at least in the short run.

The firm I work for has great brand cache however we are located well over an hour from the twin cities. Current gas prices are driving very active discussions about introducing more employee work-from-home options. While this is a good step forward, we are trying to keep our eye on the future and put more lasting solutions in place so we can attract top talent regardless of where people are located geographically. This is an interesting and fun time … the way we work is changing and I think for the better. I will give you an update on our plans as we make more progress and secure funding for our virtual workplace office environment.

For more in-depth information , contact Northfield Technology for a consulation.