Building a Digital Workspace Strategy

For many organizations, variable remote work has become more the norm than sitting in your organization’s office five days a week. But transitioning to a hybrid or fully remote model requires a real strategy, one that creates a workspace where your team can be effective working from wherever they may be. The key here is that it is not just a technology challenge; it is a people challenge.

What is a Digital Workspace?

What is a “digital workspace,” exactly?  Info-Tech Research Group defines it as “an application or collection of applications, that takes the things a person needs to do their job and makes those things available to them digitally.” 

Understanding why you are setting up a digital workspace is elemental to its success.  As with any technology project, defining the requirements is key.  Improved employee engagement and productivity are the goal, so you must understand your users and their goals.

What type of digital workplace---or combination of types--- is best for your organization is the first requirement to define.  Here are three examples:

Team-Centric Workspaces

• Enables teams to meet and manage work virtually
• Integrate with key applications, storage systems, and systems of record
• Centered around teams of people
• MS Teams, Slack, and monday.com are examples.

All-Encompassing Digital Workspaces

• An application that connects with other apps
• Can be SaaS-based, virtual, hosted on-premise, or even on devices
• Connects file-sharing tools and systems of record
• Citrix Workspace, AWS Workspaces, and Sharepoint are examples.

Intranet Site Replacement

• Web-based digital workspaces centered around information used by users
• Pull information from relevant sources (calendars, systems of record, etc.)
• Igloo, eXo Platform, and Interact are examples.

Selecting a tool is important, but it is critical to remember that you are doing this for the user. Their input is a requirement in the strategy process.  Plan with the business in mind, involve users early and often, including considering your change management process and phase your project to guarantee success.  Be sure about your expectations, as well; work only towards benefits that stakeholders care about. 

Non-technical support

A digital workspace tool can improve the accountability, flexibility, and productivity of your teams, be they in an office or working remotely.   However, there are things that no technology can correct, and it is important to consider these and prepare to provide "non-technology" support for them. 

• Isolation of remote users and its emotional impact
• Inability to “unplug” after work and longer working hours
• Inadequate equipment
• Health issues due to uncomfortable workspaces
• Managers who don’t know how to manage remote workers

Including both the technical aspects of a digital workspace tool and the human aspects of working from anywhere in your requirements will allow you to develop a successful digital workspace strategy for the long term.

Need more help building your digital workspace strategy? Learn more about consulting services from Cimatri.