Thinking beyond the Checked Box

On a daily basis, we are inundated with a brand new app, or tech that is meant to make everyday life easier. And, there are some great innovations that help! For instance, the mindlessness of pausing your YouTube video on your phone, so you can pay your roommate the electric bill through apps like ‘Venmo' and ‘PayPal' are amazing. Or, the app ‘Tile’ is cool, where you’re able to attach a mini Bluetooth tracker to your keys, wallet, remote control, or any item that you consistently misplace in life, and then have the ability to track exactly where it is from your phone.  

These are just a couple of examples. There are hundreds, probably thousands of similar ideas to make our daily lives more efficient and headache-free. At the same time, we all have our favorite apps and tech tools for the millions of devices that are being used today. It is almost impossible to know what is available, let alone invest in every new app.  Then again, it is amazing to think about all of the innovation out there.   

It is also important to remember how disruptive technology is today. And, it is not slowing down, or stopping anytime soon. To me, it is really exciting. Yes, it means my life could be made that much more efficient.  But, it also means that innovation, at essentially warped speed, is here to stay. At least, this is the case on the consumer level, especially with Millennials and Gen Zs literally attached to their devices and constantly interacting with apps. 

My real concern is that all of this innovation is not translating to the enterprise level. Just as I seek seamless efficiencies in my personal life, I’d love to have these similarly cool apps, or tools in the workplace too.  Of course, I understand the scale, investment and buy-in are much more significant. But, I believe that the major decision-makers are not always embracing the truly innovative tech that is available. They need to be, especially for retention of the younger generations in the workforce.  They are already expecting it.  They will soon demand it.  

Mobile Learning is a great example of disruptive tech. It isn’t relying on an antiquated LMS, as it can house all of the same content. Instead, it’s moving to the future now. It is an app, or on the web – so, it is known technology. It addresses the needs of the younger generations, while all generations can easily use it.  It also addresses our mobile workforce phenomenon, as employees today spend less than 50% of their time at their desks (Gallup - January/2016). 

Therefore, it is time that we all educate ourselves on the disruptive technologies that truly fit the business strategies - and not just “check the box.” Instead, let’s look at disruptive technologies that set your organization apart, and more importantly, set up the people within your organization for future success. 

We, at Scrimmage, always encourage these conversations around disruption and moving away from what feels comfortable. We understand the value it will bring today and, more importantly, the value it will bring for the future of your organization. 

Let’s continue the conversation. Scrimmage is at the exciting forefront of this technology, and we'd love to help you.  Check us out at www.wescrimmage.com and @wescrimmage on social for thoughts and updates on the changing and mobile world at work.