Change comes from within

Digital Leaders
Jul 21, 2017 · 3 min read

Written by Jacqui Burns, Texthelp

As anyone who’s involved in digital transformation knows, it means a whole lot more than giving your website a polish! Whether you’re a public utility, a healthcare trust or a local council, start by empowering staff with the tools and support they need to thrive in today’s digital workplace.

In a recent blog we’ve stressed the importance for public sector bodies of giving website visitors a smooth, satisfying journey to find the information they need. And in another post we’ve explored the crucial role of plain English, with clear, simple text that’s easier for everyone to follow.

Successful digital transformation helps everyone, shifting convenient access to information and services online while reducing the costs of transacting with end-users. But in their eagerness to put on a friendlier public face, government organisations shouldn’t overlook another very important audience: their own staff and stakeholders.

The workplace is where many of us spend a big chunk of our lives. It can be a productive, stimulating place where great things happen. But it’s not without its stresses, strains and challenges that employees face daily.

Just like life outside, the workplace is a hugely diverse environment. Everyone’s different, with their own ways of dealing with information, communicating with each other and getting things done.

‘Diversity’ comes in other forms, too.

A fifth of us have a disability or impairment, with 10% of the UK population experiencing some form of dyslexia. Meanwhile, greater numbers of employees across all industries speak English as a second or even third language. So ensuring everyone’s properly equipped to understand — and be understood — is more important than ever before.

We’re in the era of the digital workplace. Technology helps us work smarter and more efficiently. But the explosion of digital devices brings with it challenges of its own, sometimes hindering the very people it’s meant to help.

Sitting in front of a computer for long hours can be a source of eye-strain and headaches. And in today’s pressured office environment, even the simple mis-keying of an email can have serious repercussions.

There’s also a clear link between conditions like dyslexia — where individuals often struggle in silence — with increased stress levels and lowered productivity. The net result is that staff members aren’t able to show their true potential at work.

Success stems from realising your workforce’s full potential, in all its glorious diversity. And that’s why more public sector organisations and corporates alike are turning to Assistive Technology to give employees the individualised support they need.

Investing in your people is always a smart move.

Three quarters of organisations providing their staff with support software report improved overall productivity. What’s more, digital support in the workplace can mean a drop of up to 30% in sickness absence.

Providing the right tools to maximise people’s potential is a win/win for employers, staff and service end-users alike. Everyone knows that your customers come first: but don’t forget who else matters, too.


Originally published at digileaders.com on July 21, 2017.

)

Digital Leaders

Written by

Informing and inspiring innovative digital transformation digileaders.com

Digital Leaders

Thoughts on leadership, strategy and digital transformation across all sectors. Articles first published on the Digital Leaders blog at digileaders.com

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade