In our technology driven working world, there’s an overwhelming and exciting selection of tech to choose from when thinking about investing in a product or feature that will benefit your business.

As we conduct most of our work from computers, tablets or indeed mobiles these days, it’s important we select carefully what is most likely to have a positive impact on our staff, productivity and profits.

Technology is changing all the time, with the next solution or model always just around the corner. High tech robots are projected to take some job roles and virtual reality is tipped as the new tool to present impressive business pitches through. To make it easy to select the key technology you should know about as a business leader, I’ve rounded up my top four suggestions:

The cloud:

The majority of UK employees will know all about cloud based technology, and it’s something many businesses are implementing. The cloud refers to a number of services, where information and files are kept on servers connected to the internet instead of a hard drive within an office or storage space.

However, some are still afraid of what the future has in store; should businesses implement their full storage facilities through the cloud or does this carry a certain risk?

It’s often the complete opposite, cloud solutions can implement complete control and back-up solutions that not only save time, but are easy to put in place and also avoid large scale up front investment. Most businesses should be savvy enough to see that the benefits undoubtedly outweigh the risks. It encourages productivity with automatic software updates, and promotes flexible working for employees knowing they can work from anywhere without having to rely on connections to a remote server.

Communication systems:

Many thought leaders are proclaiming businesses should overhaul the use of email, with alarming latest statistics reporting staff spend 29 days a year checking work emails alone. (Study by the Chartered Management Institute) Emails can often be seen as a drain on productivity and a distraction from day-to-day tasks.

Free app based technology such as Yammer, Slack or Google Chat allow people to communicate not only internally but with clients, sharing documents and hosting quick meetings without getting weighted down in long winded email chains.

HR and absence management technology:

Business owners are often time poor and the precious time they do have should be spent getting to know their employees. HR and absence management technology such as Bright HR lets you manage employee details, staff holidays, sickness and store documents all in one easy to use portal.

In addition, you can use BrightHR on any device and anywhere, giving you instant information on the go. Supporting this the mobile app enables employees to interact themselves, maintaining their core information as well as managing absences through voice activation — giving any employer a powerful tool that reduces administration and cost.


Virtual reality:

Virtual reality isn’t just reserved for high tech video games, and the many benefits of the technology are beginning to work their way through to businesses. Use of virtual reality has the potential to vastly improve personalisation and communication within meetings attended by various people in different locations.

The technology also looks set to be used for employees who work from home, thus improving the flexible working options for your staff. In the not too distance future, staff might be able to use the virtual reality head-gear from home creating a more connected workforce for employees working remotely.