By Glenn Griggs, Board Director of Sales at Ricoh UK, looks at the increasing importance of digital transformation in the modern workplace, and gives insight into the tools business can implement to accelerate their digital transformation.  

Ricoh is a leading provider of digital services, information management, and print and imaging solutions designed to optimise business performance. Ricoh is leading change at work by devising digital workplace strategies and effective practices to support business digital transformation.

What is Digital Transformation

Digital transformation describes the process of integration of new digital technology into all aspects of a business – from finance, HR and facilities to operations and logistics.

While on paper (or tablet, as the case may be) this sounds simple, over 70% of organisations fail at their first attempt at digital transformation. Reasons for this vary, but it can often be that organisations see this as a finite process with a clear finish line – this is not the case.

It’s important to note that digital transformation is never static, as the digital world is constantly evolving, and adapting to these rapidly moving changes can take time.

Digital Maturity

Tied to this is digital maturity – this relates to an organisation’s ability to respond and adapt to tech trends, as well as their willingness to take a long-term view on investment.

Technology is advancing exponentially, so investing in your businesses’ digital maturity is critical. Businesses making these long-term investments into digital maturity are reaching milestones quicker, as well as improving their agility and efficiency.

The pandemic prompted a sudden, and virtually overnight, shift from office-based to entirely remote working – the ramifications of which will be long-lasting and revolutionary for the modern workplace.

Now, as more businesses return to the office full-time, or adopt permanent hybrid working policies, digital maturity and transformation are at the forefront of the agenda for business success.

For business leaders, digital maturity is about staying ahead of, and adapting to, the shifting challenges of the modern workplace.

Productivity in a Hybrid World

This shift to hybrid working has introduced new challenges to the workplace. The UK is currently experiencing a productivity slump, with businesses facing growing concerns over staff burn-out and ‘quiet quitting’.

The solution is seemingly a simple one; businesses must provide a seamless digital experience for their employees.

Recent research from Ricoh has found that over half (55%) of employees perform to a higher standard when given flexibility over where, when and whom they work with.

What is the key to successful digital transformation? Be vigilant. By continuously looking to improve existing processes and listening to your people you’ll achieve buy-in and, in turn, productivity.

Building the bridge to the hybrid workforce means retaining the best of the physical workplace and pairing it with the best of online work.

Nearly two fifths (39%) of people’s day are occupied with administrative tasks or overcoming tech issues, which can be damaging to employee’s sense of purpose and drive. In fact, almost two-thirds (64%) of workers admit they would enjoy their work more if they had more time for creative tasks. Investing in reliable technology, such as automation, is part of a solution to improving employee experience. Reducing the time spent on repetitive and unrewarding tasks can boost productivity and sense of fulfilment within the workplace. 

Implementing a Digital Transformation Strategy

Whilst many businesses have been digitised, they are yet to harness a strategic digital approach.

The first step to a successful digital transformation strategy, is considering the cultural and technological needs of the workplace. This could be streamlining digital processes, improving document workflow or eliminating task that are waste of time and money.

There are also five critical areas of the workplace where digital transformation is essential. These include the digital workplace, business process management, cloud and infrastructure, cybersecurity and digital experience. By improving digital maturity and implementing a digital transformation strategy in these key areas, businesses can optimise the value of digital investments and new opportunities.

Conclusion

Staying ahead in the digital world is a continuous pursuit, which can be a real challenge to get right. The key to business longevity and sustainability is being able to face and adapt to new challenges. Digital maturity is ensuring your team has the knowledge and infrastructure to work collaboratively in ever-evolving workflows.

Investment in digital transformation and maturity can sharpen organisations’ competitive edge in the digital space, by improving their agility, security and longevity.