3 Digital Workforce Mistakes That Need To Be Avoided


It would be difficult to find an aspect of life that has not been greatly affected by technology. The workplace is no different; In fact, it has been drastically transformed by technological advancements. Many tasks that used to be performed by people are now performed by software or automated machines.

These changes have led to what many people have dubbed the “digital workforce”. Here we will look at exactly what the digital workforce is as well as 3 mistakes that need to be avoided when implementing the digital workforce:

1. Insufficient Security Protocols

2. Information Architecture Issues

3. Hyper-Focus On New Technologies

What Is The Digital Workforce?

 

The digital workforce is a team of software and software integrated machines that assist the human workforce in their day to day job duties. It can also be viewed as the strategic and innovative use of appropriate technologies in the workplace.

The digital workforce aims to allow humans to perform their duties with greater ease, accuracy, and speed than before. “The digital workforce can be anything from accounting programs, software development IDEs, and even digital kiosks that take customers orders. There is no concrete definition. Instead, it must be thought of technology that adds value to a business’s operations” explains Carrie L. Ward, a tech blogger at UktopwritersOpens in a new tab. and  BestaustralianwritersOpens in a new tab..

An important area where the digital workforce has been utilized is in data collection, organization, and analysis. AI software can do all these tasks much faster, and with greater accuracy, than any human employee will ever be able to. This allows the human employee to spend more time using data instead of performing the mundane task of collection.

While the digital workforce has transformed the workplaceOpens in a new tab. there are some common pitfalls which one needs to look out for. We will next look at the three most common.

1. Insufficient Security Protocols

Never before have organizations needed to take such care with personal and sensitive data. While a digital workforce may offer attractive productivity and results it requires a heightened level of security” writes Dave Nolan, a business writer at State of writingOpens in a new tab. and ReviewealOpens in a new tab..

The more data that is stored, accessed, and manipulated by software and AI the higher the risk that the data can fall into the wrong hands. There have been several high profile cases in which hackers or otherwise malicious actors acquired large amounts of private and sensitive data. The most recent example of this is the Capital One data breach. In all these instances the company has been forced to make major payments as compensation as well suffer from loss of brand trust and loyalty.

2. Information Architecture Issues

While it is true that software and AI can process and analyze information at speeds which greatly exceed that of a human employee, the program can only do what it is told. It uses a set of algorithms to determine its every action. This is a particularly sensitive issue in data sciences. Humans can think algorithmically but also in heuristics; they can exercise an intuitive understanding of what type of data belongs where.

Many businesses do not put enough thought or planning into their Information architecture when implementing a digital workforce. This lack of planning can leave them with a database full of unusable information, or improperly stored/categorized information.

To avoid this, clear, concise, and consistent conventions need to be implemented. There also needs to be safeguards in place to deal with poorly entered or non-applicable information.

3. Hyper-Focus On New Technologies

Moore’s law states that the processing capacities will double every two years or so. While Moore’s law speaks specifically about processing speeds it can be applied to tech in general. There is always some new piece of technology coming out. It is common for businesses to become overly excited about purchasing a new or ‘improved’ but of tech to solve their digital workforce needs.

If there is an older item of technology that meets a business’s digital workforce requirements, it is often recommended to opt for this option. This is especially true if the organization is new to a particular type of digital workforce tech and are implementing it for the first time. This is not to say there is never a time and place to purchase the newest option, only that it is not always necessary.


This article was written by Molly Crockett – a marketing and business expert who writes on how managers can optimize their business practices. These writings can be found at Big AssignmentsOpens in a new tab. and Write my essayOpens in a new tab.. She is also involved with teaching young writers the writing and research skills required to be successful as a writer. She teaches at Elite assignment helpOpens in a new tab..

Steve Todd

Steve Todd, founder of Open Sourced Workplace and is a recognized thought leader in workplace strategy and the future of work. With a passion for work from anywhere, Steve has successfully implemented transformative strategies that enhance productivity and employee satisfaction. Through Open Sourced Workplace, he fosters collaboration among HR, facilities management, technology, and real estate professionals, providing valuable insights and resources. As a speaker and contributor to various publications, Steve remains dedicated to staying at the forefront of workplace innovation, helping organizations thrive in today's dynamic work environment.

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