Digital Transformation - A Transformation of Diverse Processes

The world of work is in a constant state of change. More and more digital technologies are changing work processes and the way we deal with them. Companies undergoing digital change are going through a process that offers numerous opportunities, but also risks. The goal is to approach digitalisation in the most structured and long-term way possible and to professionally support all those involved in the company.

Definition of Digital Transformation

The term "digital transformation" is often used in connection with the meaning of digital change. This encompasses a change in the corporate world through the introduction of new internet and communication technologies, which can have an impact on the daily working world as well as on private life. Both areas of life can be separated less and less today. This is all the more true when the digital transformation has found its way into companies.

The goal of the digital transformation is to make companies more effective and thus more profitable through information and communication technologies. Business processes, but also business models and customer experiences are constantly being developed further and made even more efficient and thus more promising for the future through the use of new technologies.

Digital Transformation of the World of Work - Change Through New Working Models

The increasingly advancing digital transformation is not only having a major impact on companies, but also on the working environment of employees. Home office, flexible working models and a variety of innovative technologies are changing life permanently and thus also society as a whole.

Workplaces today are often designed differently and used more flexibly. For example, by sharing with several employees who take turns in the home office. Crowdworking, co-working and other work models make employees and employers alike flexible.

For department heads and bosses, a leadership behaviour adapted to the digitalised world is equally important. Planning and leading in the digital transformation requires different skills. Here, briefings, the coordination of all employees in the presence, in the home office as well as abroad must be optimally brought together and supervised by professional management.

The digital transformation in the world of work is therefore a challenge for everyone, as different levels communicate online in a completely different way than is implemented in the classic corporate hierarchies.

Personal contact and team building should not be lost from focus despite digital change. A healthy mix of analogue and digital collaboration remains important.

Goals of the Digital Transformation

What should be achieved with digitalisation? In concrete terms, digital transformation means for companies to holistically deal with future perspectives. The digital transformation is a constant process that requires regular monitoring and control.

For the digital transformation to be successful, the following points are important:

Potential and Risks at a Glance

An analysis brings clarity as to which things are necessary for the digital transformation in the company. Medium- to long-term goals should also be taken into account.

Individual Process

The digital transformation, as well as the tools and processes required for it, must be individually designed to suit the company and constantly re-evaluated.

Safety

If technical processes are restructured, data protection regulations must be complied with. Protection against cyber attacks and other measures are also important.

Conviction

All employees must support the measures for digital transformation in the company, and suppliers and customers should also be kept in mind. Because the digital transformation can only succeed if all those involved understand and actively support it.

Costs at a Glance

A cost-benefit analysis is also important, because the digital transformation should make the company more sustainable and profitable in the long term.

Digital Change - Possible Dangers

In addition to the opportunities of the digital transformation, there are also some dangers that need to be taken into account in the process. We have compiled a small overview for you:

Working in a Home Office - Not Easy to Implement for Everyone

As modern and convenient as digitalisation can be for workers in a home office, for example, there is always the danger that self-determination is not used to its full potential. Being able to work at home in a concentrated manner first requires a proper workplace. The ability to work independently at home is also not equally developed in every employee. However, the know-how for independent, self-responsible working in a home office as well as for dealing with the necessary tools for communication and project management can be learned in training courses. The establishment of the home office can also be supported by the employer.

Define Accessibility and Working Hours

It is also important to take into account the changes in work processes that function quite differently at home or in another location than in the company office. Ways to record working hours, good accessibility during working hours via online messenger, Skype or similar can contribute to effective working outside the company office.

At the same time, it should by no means lead to the home office employee being available and ready for action virtually around the clock. Even with flexible working time models, care should be taken to ensure that working hours are adhered to and that overtime is paid.

After all, constant availability without limits can overstrain the employee or even lead to burnout. To prevent this from happening in the first place, companies can take active countermeasures. We have compiled a few examples for you:

• Concrete company agreements
• Working time and break regulations
• Accessibility rules
• Keeping working time accounts
• Setting up an ergonomic workplace

Do Not Underestimate Technical Changes

In order to push ahead with the digital transformation, companies have to retool technically and change their work processes. Often, company clouds are also set up via which every employee has access to all data from any location. These processes are not to be underestimated in terms of technology and time and should therefore be planned and implemented with care.