I understand the mantra of the tech guys driving the revolution that we all need to upgrade, make life easier, collaborate, unlock innovation and disrupt
In other words, create value and growth in this new digital age. But I’ve heard these words before.
Technology can't do everything by itself
It needs to be supplemented by human and social infrastructure. Increases in digital demand and capability require an increase in supply capability, and that’s why governments quote education, small business support and developing the infrastructure in their plans. They know that deep down digital needs people just as much if not more than people need digital.
It’s a fact that more businesses are moving towards a digital workplace, and the driver behind any change is going to be a mix of technology and people. Technology is an enabler, but it is the culture of the business that will drive adoption.
Technology should and can represent the opportunity to do something more significant. Something more than the option of life without technology or just digital change for digital change sake because that’s the buzzword of the moment.
All of that said, none of the above is the one compelling reason why a digital culture might not be the answer
The real key to our future productivity, engagement and mental wellbeing is the combination of digital and people. People produce results, and it’s people that own the potential to be amazing. A big part of that is our ability to connect and engage at a human level. We will not find the answer by burying our heads in data, looking for a rational explanation. We will not find the answer by expecting real connection by looking at a screen or communicating electronically.
Culture is a fancy word for shared beliefs, habits and behaviours. We will not find our answers behind a "digital" culture
- Do we believe that technology in itself is the answer?
- Do we want people building a habit of spending more time connecting with technology rather than people?
- Do we want to build behaviours that promote exclusion rather than inclusion?
Technology needs people more than people need technology. Maybe someone should tell the industry that.
It’s about productivity and jobs. Both are critical to the future of any economy and are potentially the most significant impact on any gaps an economy faces to balance the books. It’s also a great sound bite for politicians to hang on to – more jobs and more productivity sends clear signals to potential voters at large that the economy is working. The digital revolution on the face of it offers it all and with the promise of new products to existing markets and new products to new markets and what’s not to like about that? Sure there’s the doomsday shadow of us all being replaced by technology although the reality is that new markets and industry will create more value than the jobs they displace.
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