In today’s tight labor market, prospective employees aren’t just looking for a stable company, a steady paycheck, and a cushy benefits package. They can get that just about anywhere. What today’s job hunters want is the chance to be part of a great organization—and that starts with a winning culture.

“Culture” can mean different things to different people, but there are some trend-lines that stand out in any positive workplace. Beyond good money, enticing perks, and solid benefits, today’s job seekers will tell you they’re also looking for intangible enticements such as flexible work schedules, opportunities for advancement, and increased training and development. Bottom line? People want jobs that can help them do great work while living their best lives.

Top Technology is a Baseline, Not a Differentiator

One of the most important elements to doing great work is the technology you use in your day-to-day operations. Employment candidates may not specifically mention “technology” during their job interviews, but that’s only because they take it for granted that they’ll have the tools they’ll need to do their work well.

In a recent report published by Randstad US, a global provider of flexible work and human resource services, the firm found that 40 percent of employees left an employer because they were failing to use the latest digital tools. Meanwhile, 66% said the speed of their employer’s digital transformation wasn’t meeting their expectations. When asked what greatly influences their desire to join a company, 80 percent of workers pointed to the company’s use of the latest digital technology.

Having state-of-the-art technology is a huge perk for employees looking to join an organization or stay with the one they’re with. Functional technology is important, but to truly stand out, small and mid-sized businesses need to think about the future, and that begins with assessing how their technology needs might evolve over time.

Data Networks and Structured Cabling: The Foundation for Innovation

Depending on your industry, you may rely heavily on proprietary software, video conferencing, cloud storage, and/or voice over IP (VoIP) calling. To ensure speed and efficiency, your system requires two things: infrastructure cabling that can handle your present and future bandwidth needs and a professionally installed and configured data network.

Every structured cabling installation is unique due to a variety of considerations including architectural layout, the type of equipment supported (both now and in the future), and the status of the previously installed system (if one exists). However, there are basic professional standards that must be met in order for a cabling system to function properly. Also, the type of cable you install—CAT5, CAT6, or Fiber Optic—plays a major role in the speed and efficiency of your network.

Your data network, meanwhile, supports all of your digital activities, from surfing the Internet to accessing storage servers to utilizing computer applications. It comprises both your wired and wireless hardware. A clean, customized data network can prevent digital blackouts, reduce network downtime, and limit productivity losses.

Failing to invest in structured cabling and a state-of-the-art data network can not only have a deleterious effect on the morale of your team, it can also put a barrier between you and the highly skilled workers you want to attract.

Empowering Employees Through Cloud Calling

Today’s workers are increasingly mobile: they visit clients, they attend conferences, and they work from home. With cloud-based calling, your team has access to features that have typically been reserved for larger organizations. Not only can your team connect from anywhere, they’ll have the opportunity to increase productivity through features like virtual assistants, auto attendants, and more. Cloud-based phone systems are also not vulnerable to external factors like severe weather or other issues that can derail a premise-based system and lead to communication interruptions or downtime.

Technology Attracts Talent

Whether it’s the access control and security of your building, the energy saving technologies you’ve installed, or the types of programs you use to support your digital infrastructure, your employees and employment prospects will notice. Upgrading your systems will go a long way toward helping your team improve its efficiency, productivity, and customer service. And that’s important, because your present and future workers want to showcase their skills! They’re looking for anything that can help them beat your expectations, achieve excellence, and meet the professional goals they’ve laid out for themselves.

If you’re looking to upgrade your technology and need workable, affordable solutions, give us a call at 717-431-6266 or contact us today to learn more.