How the traditional office evolved into the digital workplace

Abstract

The nature of workplaces is changing. Digital technology has constantly evolved and enabled workplaces to progress from being static in location to becoming independent of location. Digital technology enabled a digital workplace that can always be with the employee. The objective of this dissertation is to investigate the drivers and enablers behind theevolution of the workplace from a traditional office to a digital workplace. Through the use of expert interviews from important industries in Germany and secondary research the aim is to determine the key drivers behind the digitalization of workplaces as well as the technologies that enabled this workplace transformation. The industries are ranging from consulting, the medium-sized industry, telecommunication, digital marketing and management. The findings of the dissertation are that the drivers for businesses to digitalize their workplaces are often work culture related. This stems from the wish for more flexible working conditions to the covid-19 pandemic and an increase in complex work as well as others. The digitalization of workplaces is especially supported and enabled through key technologies like SaaS, Cloud services, Customer analytics systems among others. Finally, current findings from the literature as well as expert interviews, certify that companies will get the most productivity and efficiency from their employees if they grant them the freedom of choice with their work environment.

Date of Award	29 Apr 2022
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	André de Almeida Pinho (Supervisor)