Dive Brief:
- An article at FastCompany explores the way the "Internet of things" (IoT) is changing and will change the workplace. The most impact? An overwhelming amount of data that will be a challenge to manage.
- IoT, which includes devices connected to the Internet and as a result, to each other, will affect many workplace processes, including how employees are tracked at work (already happening) and how employers can get the right data to the right worker at the right time for maximum productivity.
- Finally, IoT will impact the "work anywhere" mindset that is a growing phenomenon today, Fast Company said.
Dive Insight:
With all the "gee whiz" workplace potential of IoT, employers must work to maintain the humanity and connectiveness that could be damaged if IoT is used improperly, writes author David Lumb.
"There are advantages to people getting together and working on projects together, ideating, and testing various different aspects of creative collaboration. But there is also a lot of routine work and individual contribution work that doesn’t require collaboration and really could be done anywhere," John Hack, SAP’s vice president of user experience and design, told Fast Company. "We see the flexible workspace as more important than any kind of workplace."
Commanding, controlling and delivering effective workplace strategies regarding IoT will be key in the future, he added. New jobs, tasks and skills will be "required to achieve the next levels of economic activity in an IoT world."
