While the term techorating might not exactly roll off the tongue, it is positioned to be an important aspect of the modern workplace. The idea behind this buzzword is simple. It involves leveraging technology, like digital signage, to ‘decorate’ an area e.g. workplace or store front.
Studies have shown interior decor directly affects employee morale and productivity and the customer experience. A recent study by a GetApp and Mvix partnership shows just how important it is that businesses “dress for success.”
- 63% of small business owners surveyed attested to the fact that techorating impacts both employee morale and the customer experience.
- A mere 6% disagreed with the statement that interior decor has a positive impact on their company.
While the survey targeted business owners, it is easy to imagine that employees would be even more enthusiastic about the role of techorating. Ultimately, a happy employee means better productivity, less turnover and higher profits. An investment in digital signage may not produce a quantitative ROI, but it can still pay off big.
Baby Boomers vs. Millennials
Perhaps one of the most unexpected findings of the GetApp and Mvix was that baby boomers are more receptive to techorating than Millennials.
While most would assume the exact opposite to be true, it turns out that businesses may be underestimating a large and influential generation. This is especially important considering the spending power of baby boomers. Not only do they have more discretionary funds, they are willing to spend those funds.
For businesses, this means that they may be missing the mark if they are focusing their efforts on reaching younger generations. In fact, older boomers also known as “leading-edge boomers” who were born between 1946 and 1955 are spending the most money.
These are especially important findings considering that baby boomers make up a large portion of business leaders. The average age of CEOs leading Standard and Poor’s 500 companies is 52.9. Even as boomers reach retirement age, many of them are choosing to stay in the workforce. The vast majority of decision-makers who have the final word on how budgets are allocated are over 50. Millennials may be in training to take the helm, but they aren’t there yet. Focusing marketing and sales efforts on Millennials and overlooking baby boomers can be a costly mistake.
Techorating with Digital Signage
Digital signage provides an ideal solution for bridging communication gaps. The days of bulletin boards and office memos are long gone. Even email and instant messaging tools aren’t always the best way to communicate certain information. Employees are more tech savvy than ever and they expect their employer to also keep up with trends.
Here are just a few ways digital signage can be used in the office:
- To recognize and celebrate employee anniversaries and achievements
- To communicate with large groups at multiple locations
- To reinforce and supplement training
- To announce new products and specs
- To advertise events and encourage attendance
- To instantly communicate any emergency messages
The modern employee is much more than a worker bee simply plugging away till retirement. They offer competitive skills and want to feel like a valued member of the team. As a dynamic and constantly developing employee, they expect the same from their employer. Digital signage is one way an employer can demonstrate a progressive approach to business and create a two-way dialogue.
Digital signage not only fosters better communication among employees, it also directly effects the customer experience. Right off the bat, implementing this technology sends a strong first impression. It tells potential customers that a business is using up-to-date practices. It also helps to reinforce a specific brand image and creates a more dynamic way to interact with multi-media material. Used in the right way, techorating will inspire customers, get them talking and perhaps lead to valuable conversions.
Many businesses are using techorating for both aesthetic and practical purposes. Instead of only displaying information, they are alternating art with advertisements. By commissioning digital artwork from local artists, businesses are supporting the local community and giving new life to impersonal office buildings and creating a more modern feel. Techorating goes beyond communication and works to create an impression or evoke a feeling.
On a more practical level, digital signage provides important information in a direct and well-organized manner. Large buildings, such as museums and hospitals, can use displays to help visitors navigate spaces. Retailers can advertise sales, highlight new clothing lines or promote seasonal products.
In addition, the convenience of being able to instantly update displays cannot be underestimated. The time and effort that goes into creating, printing and distributing hard copy advertisements is virtually eliminated. Marketing and advertising materials will never be in danger of being outdated.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the study on techorating is that baby boomers are more tech savvy than usually thought. For business that have been focusing their efforts on catering to Millennials, this new information is some serious food for thought.
In addition, the important and future or techorating should not be underestimated or ignored. This valuable tool has the potential to revitalize a workplace and enhance the customer experience in one fell swoop. Incorporating techorating throughout a building sends the message that a business is modern and forward thinking. It instantly creates a clear impression and provides a whole host of practical services.
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