The digital workplace – closely linked to the core ideas behind ‘New Work’ – is a powerful way to create virtual work environments for companies of all sizes. Moving teamwork and workflows into the digital space plays a key role in how organizations grow and evolve. In these virtual setups, information is centrally available, employees can collaborate more flexibly – free from strict office hours or fixed locations – and workflows get a boost from modern tech like artificial intelligence (AI). Digital workplaces are reshaping how organizations work and helping make their processes future ready.

In this article, we’ll explore what the digital workplace really means and the key technologies that can help you enable more innovative ways to collaborate.

While there’s no precise definition of the digital workplace, it essentially follows a core concept of New Work: The idea of creating an environment in which employees can access all the tech, resources, and tools they need to work from anywhere — from communication tools to knowledge databases, document management systems (DMS) and more.

A digital workplace brings together a range of apps and tools that help people work securely, stay productive, and make smarter decisions. With connected technologies in place, you get a seamless setup that keeps information flowing and makes collaboration easier and more efficient.
The three types of digital workplace:

1. Remote work: The practice of working entirely digitally.
2. Hybrid work models: A blend of remote and in-office working.
3. On-site model: Employees work on-site but are supported by digital tools.

Digital tools and platforms are revolutionizing the way companies structure processes and approach collaboration.

Better business processes

Employers are intentionally pursuing a digital workplace strategy to optimize workflows and strengthen productivity company-wide:

• Teams from anywhere in the world can access the same resources.
• Digital tools automate partial and entire tasks.
• Quality management systems and similar applications establish a higher degree of legal certainty.

The result: more scalability and flexibility in your business processes. In other words, companies become — and stay — more agile and resilient.

Cultivating a New Work culture

New Work has made digital workplaces the new normal. But if long-term worker retention is a top priority, employees need to have the right conditions. As part of the company culture, digital workplaces have a positive impact on loyalty and motivation by empowering employees to work flexibly and achieve a strong work-life balance. Digital workplaces enhance the employee experience, while employers gain from becoming more competitive in the labor market.

The technologies fall into two main categories — software and hardware — which together make up your company's tech stack.

Hardware

Hardware covers all physical devices and equipment used by employees to do their work, as well as in-house systems hosting digital infrastructure:

Servers

• Computers, laptops, screens
• Smartphones and other mobile devices
• Hard drives and other storage media
• Chargers, charging stations
• Docking stations

Software

The software used for digital workplaces falls into the following categories:

• Digital communication tools: Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Slack, intranet, email, etc.
• Security software: antivirus programs, firewalls, two-factor authentication, access control functions, etc.
• SaaS platforms: cloud-based HR software such as SAP SuccessFactors, accounting software, CRM systems, ERP systems, etc.
• Document management systems (DMS): Doxis or generic solutions such as SharePoint, Google Drive, etc.

Document management systems (DMS) are at the heart of any digital workplace. Why? Because they bring everything together — smooth workflows, easy access to information, and better collaboration. In many ways, a digital workplace is only as good as its DMS.

How does Doxis enhancs productivity in the digital work environment?