26 July 2017
Jason Gordon, Texthelp
Don't forget about your workforce
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 health organisations of giving patients 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, health 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 workplace 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.
Like what you’ve read?
Here's our guide to make your digital services more accessible.