It's no secret that our portable devices have changed the way we work, live and learn. They still are changing things, whether we like it or not. Mobile isn't a trend, it's a new reality, and those that plan for it will reap the rewards.
The workplace, including the training department, is being shaped by the demands of the mobile workforce. Employees no longer keep office hours and prefer to complete tasks on the road and from home. Laptop-toting professionals and workers tied to their Internet-enabled devices are looking for ways to increase their productivity. They are expecting to access knowledge right away, at the point of need, wherever they are, and all done simply in the palm of their hand and at the touch of a button.
With mobile tech, companies now have the perfect opportunity to integrate their learning and development strategy more seamlessly into everyday life.
The following infographics provide some guidance to help you understand thoroughly the needs, demands and attitudes of this evolving workforce, and put your own strategy into perspective.
Infographic #1: The Mobile Workstyle by Gist
Work doesn't always happen at work or inside the cubicle. It happens everywhere. An increasing number of people are now working remotely at home or in their favorite local spots. Even office workers who follow a routine 9-to-5 schedule get most work done outside the office. Work is possible as long as there is a smartphone, tablet, or laptop available. Basically, the 9-to-5 job era has ended.
This data visualization captures the emerging workstyle. It describes a good picture of why companies should stop believing jobs have to be rigid and inflexible. In fact, 3 out of 5 workers agree that they don't necessary have to be in the office to get more things done.
Click on the image to view entire infographic
Infographic #2: The Mobile Worker Movement by Dell
Is the mobile, always-on workstyle only suitable for millenials or the younger generation of workers? Of course not. We all know and understand why digital natives or those who grew up interacting with new technology are comfortable with using their personal devices at work. Their tablets and smartphones have become extensions of themselves over the years.
That's usually the picture that comes to mind when people think about BYOD and remote work. But what about the older generation of workers who are also entitled to the use of mobile technology? This infographics commissioned by Dell points out that "mobile workers are not just young workers."
Click on the image to view entire infographic
Infographic #3: The Workplace of the Future, by Citrix
According to this Citrix survey, the workplaces of the future are better designed and are getting smaller. The survey shows the formula for the workplace of the future as one person using an average of six devices to do their work and being dedicated to only two-thirds of a desk. No more crowded spaces, just comfy spots conducive to work.
The number one factor that drives such dramatic change is called "Workshifting." It simply refers to the idea of people shifting work to (non-traditional) times and locations that are much more convenient.
Think of it as a way to empower employees to take more control over their schedule. In addition to workshifting, forward-thinking organizations are already enabling workers to use their own devices at work. It's a concept you might be familiar with, Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD).
Click on the image to view entire infographic
Infographic #4: The 3 Generations of Work and Mobile Connectivity by Sales Force
Our affair with mobile technology began in the 90s but dramatic work-related changes occured just recently. This infographic weaves together the past, the present and the future of mobile connectivity. It will help you visualize the following:
- What has changed since mobile phones were permitted at work
- Pros and cons of mobile connectivity at work
- The future of our ever-connected, always-on workstyle
We know people spend lots of time in social networks. But what this infographics shows is that people are increasingly merging them with their work lives.
Click on the image to view entire infographic
Infographic #5: The Power of Mobile Workforce
This is a rather comprehensive infographics regarding the mobile workforce. Here's a quick overview of the facts you'll find here:
- Benefits of a mobile workstyle
- Places where employees feel most productive
- Needs of a mobile worker
Click on the image to view entire infographic
You can keep this visual guide nearby if you're creating training content for a mobile workforce. It can also serve as a perfect introduction to mobile connectivity at work since it covers important issues related to the topic.
