Gone are the days of shorthand dictation and telecommunication switchboards. In today’s modern world, we are able to accomplish multiple tasks with the click of a button. Within the modern workspace, many things have changed. From the hours we work to the location of our work, there has been a shift in how we do business.
The fast-paced evolution of technology has enabled us to do conference calls and have face-to-face meetings while individuals are in different locations. From a global perspective, computer systems have allowed us to do business in real time with individuals who work and reside on different continents.
While technology has been the catalyst for the change that has occurred in our everyday lives, there are some things that are not easily done with the click of the mouse. Certain pieces of equipment have been around for a while and still remain a staple in our work office environments. Laminators are one piece of machinery that has stood the test of time. Fortunately, and with respect to human contribution, laminating is not something that can be done using a computer.
Office Spaces Then And Now
If you take two pictures, hold them side by side, and compare pictures of office space from 30 years ago to modern-day office space, the results are astounding. It is amazing how we have changed from using pencil and paper to utilizing a mobile device that can fit into our jean pocket. The overhead projectors and typewriters that once adorned an office desk have now been replaced with one piece of equipment. With a computer, you can send an email, draft a memo, or make phone calls. Of course, with cell phones, making phone calls are much easier.
A Copy Machine
Twenty years ago, it was popular to use a Xerox copy machine to make multiple copies of one document. Now, with the click of a button, it is easy to send the same document to multiple people using an email system or a document sharing service. Copy machines are still a staple in an office environment, they too have found themselves stepping up to meet the challenges of the ever-changing technology. Many copiers, nowadays, are enhanced with automated features that allow them to compete with computers.
Doing More With Less
Of course, in the more traditional office setting, there were multiple pieces of machinery that were used to accomplish multiple goals. Now, it takes one piece of equipment to perform multiple tasks and achieve the same goal. We are now finding ourselves doing more with less equipment. Businesses are even able to completely operate online without the need for a physical office space. While some companies fill the need to have a brick-and-mortar office space, companies have found a way to effectively and efficiently operate without the use of a building.
Mobile Offices And Working From Home
Back in the day, it was unheard of for an individual to call in and say they’re going to take the day and work from home. Making such a move would have caused you to have a permanent work-at-home job. The title would be an unemployment specialist. In more recent times, not only are work at home jobs desirable for employees, many companies are finding it is more cost-efficient to hire individuals to work from home than to incur the cost of renting or buying office space. The technology that smartphones provide allows individuals to run an entire business while they’re at home, in the grocery store or in their cars.
As hard as it is to accept, the traditional office is almost dead. Not only has there been a redesign of office layouts, but there has also been a complete redesign of how companies operate and do business. Technology has enabled companies to do business with individuals all over the globe without having to be in the same location. The same technology has enabled individuals to become mobile while doing business and operate an entire business online.
E-commerce businesses are not only proficient at driving business to their website, but they are also able to effectively convert online traffic to sales, take payments, and even resolve customer service issues using automated systems. Regardless of the amount of technology, there is still a challenge to balance the use of technology with human reasoning.
