Around 90% of respondents in Sopra Steria’s third consecutive annual Government Digital Trends Survey said technology was changing the way they work. 64% also said their role is benefitting from the shift to digital. But what does this mean for the civil service?
Efficiency
Digital Technology has become a toolkit for the civil service. The old ways of doing business were a barrier to unlocking the full potential of the sector. It was a rigid, inefficient work environment. An excess of paper and scheduling meetings that could be done over the internet are just a few issues with the technology-lacking past.
Now digital technology within the civil service is providing a fast route to getting our jobs done fast and cost-effectively. Fewer hours are lost on menial tasks or prolonged duties. Employees can save time and work more productively and cohesively, even across cities, countries, and continents.
Flexibility
The introduction of cloud computing is arguably the most beneficial technological addition to the civil service. It gives employees the ability to work from anywhere. This means there is more flexibility in civil servants’ lives which goes a long way towards increasing job satisfaction.
It also has other positive effects, like helping to reduce the gender wage gap. Women can have children without sacrificing their career, allowing them to progress further in their lives both professionally and personally. In fact, both men and women can spend time with their families while working.
Cloud computing is shaking up traditional structures and allowing for more modern ways of working. This benefits civil servants and the civil service in two ways. Firstly, it increases employee engagement and satisfaction with the role. Secondly, it improves productivity.
Better communication
Technology has also been a significant player in improving communication within the civil service. Training in the use of technology was essential in enforcing many small improvements that have substantial impacts. The idea that some civil servants, only a few years ago, checked their emails monthly might seem shocking in today’s tech-obsessed world.
With increased training in technology, outdated practices are fading into the background. This allows civil servants to make the most of communication tools like email, video conferencing, instant messaging, and the sharing of information via the cloud. We have access to faster, more effective communication, helping to increase efficiency and productivity. There’s also an element of waste reduction with technology. It streamlines many processes that would have previously needed the excessive use of paper and ink.
Attracting younger employees
By improving technology in the civil service, it becomes more appealing to younger workers. Graduates are expecting a technologically-advanced workplace. They have grown up in the digital age, often being completely unfamiliar with the way things used to be. This means they do their best work when given the technology they are proficient at using.
Their ability to make the most of the available technology means they are cost-effective, productive members of the workforce. With technology, the civil service will attract bright young minds and great workers.
