How IT is changing the way we work

The rate at which technology is advancing can bring enormous benefits to your role as a PA. Whether you are responsible for your company’s training and recruitment policies, or you need to learn new skills to get the most from the latest Microsoft technology, it is time to consider IT training. Philip Badman explains why.

New technologies can lead to significant changes in the workplace, improving productivity as PCs become faster to start up and documents can be accessed more quickly. They also have improved security features to give you added peace of mind.

However, with the introduction of new technology comes the requirement for IT training. For instance, do you know how to use the programmes in Office 2013, or how to navigate the Windows 8 operating system?

The launch of Windows 8 has created new ways of interacting with your PC. For example, the home screen includes a number of apps and has touch-screen capabilities that make using the system a learning curve.

Technology also has the ability to change the way that we access and share information. Office 365 is beginning to revolutionise the workplace, as employees are now able to access Office applications via the Cloud. Information can be accessed quickly and easily over the internet, which suits new employment patterns, such as home working, or alternating between being in an office and out on the road.

Gone are the days of multiple emails containing different versions of documents. Cloud computing can also make your job as a PA easier. If you’re responsible for managing the IT systems in your workplace, there’s no need to download or install dedicated software on each computer in your office, which results in being able to free up on-board memory and reduce energy costs.

All of the above technologies will change the way that you work, meaning employers should explore training options. Businesses and employees who fail to embrace new technologies risk being left behind.

Philip Badman is Deputy Principal at Newham College of Further Education and a Director at the world’s largest independent IT training company, New Horizons. Find out more at newhorizons.com