| | SEPTEMBER 20178CIOReviewTechnology used to be a complicated web, with physical wires connecting a computer to the internet, a printer, or any peripheral. Now, technology provides anything but a restrictive experience. Workplace technology today enables professionals to do their work when they want, how they want, and where they want. In fact, I am writing this while on a couch in our office atrium.Over the last several years, the nature of work has evolved. We've seen a few key workplace "megatrends" that have significant implications for CIOs and technology decision makers.Remote Work still Calls for a Home BaseThe freelancer economy is on the rise, as are client service jobs. In both cases, employees might be on site with clients for short bursts of time. To cut down on wasted space and cater to this transient workforce, many offices have adopted desk hoteling or hot desk programs, where employees reserve a desk in advance for use while in the office. Many more companies have adopted formal remote work programs. According to the World Economic Forum's forecast of employment trends, work flexibility, including telework, is "one of the biggest drivers of transformation" in the workplace. And the impact is profound: employees and businesses alike have embraced remote work. Employees appreciate that working remotely means advocating for better work-life balance. Those with family commitments or side passions have the means and time to cater to those needs. For businesses, fewer people in the office means lower real estate bills, lower utility bills, and less time spent on in-office perks such as snacks and coffees. And best of all? Remote workers report being more productive. But there's still value in having a home base for face time, important meetings, presentations, and inspiration. Offices provide employees with structure. And during these meetings and presentations, employees often need physical documents, printed, bound, signed, sealed and delivered.That said, office products that have a fixed location have to change how they interact with people. In the past you were tethered to a particular printer. Today's employees need the ability to wirelessly print from any location over the network so that whenever they walk into any space they have a fully functioning office space immediately. The print functionality should follow them throughout the building or any company location on the network, where they can then print jobs with a personal print release code.The Rise of The "Digital Nomad"Some employees take remote work to the next level--opting not to have any home base and instead using their newfound freedom to live as virtual Mike MarusicChained to Your Desk? NOT ANYMORE, THANKS TO WORKPLACE TECHNOLOGYBy Mike Marusic, COO, Sharp Electronics Corporation [TYO:6753]In my opinion
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