Exploring the Differences Between Workplace vs. Workspace

The terms “workplace” and “workspace” are often used interchangeably. However, there are some important differences between the two terms, particularly when it comes to a digital workspace and a digital workplace.

So what are the differences, how can they be compared and why is that important?

Workplace vs. Workspace

On the surface, Workplace and Workspace both seem to refer to a place where you work and are therefore identical. But that's not entirely true.

• What is a workplace? A workplace is a fixed place where employees work together. They hold meetings, complete tasks, chat at the water dispenser, and do all the other things that employees have been doing for thousands of years.
• What is a workspace/workspace? A work area is the specific room in which an employee works, such as a cubicle or a desk. This workplace can be located at a workplace, but it doesn't have to be, because it can also be a home office or even a freelancer's dining table.

Simply put: A workplace is for everyone, a work area is for one person.

Digital Workplace vs. Digital Workspace

We've looked at the traditional workplace and workspace, but what is a digital workplace and digital workspace?

A Digital Workplace Is the environment that employers have for their virtual teams sets up. It is the infrastructure that is provided to enable hard work and ensure that the workplace is productive.

A Digital Workspace comprises the software that employees use to perform their tasks. You can think of the workplace as the collaborative boards and communities that are used by everyone in the company, while a digital workspace is the individual's computer and tools.

Here's what else you need to know about digital workspaces and workplaces:

Digital workplaces bring employees together

A digital workplace can be as simple as a messaging app for the company or as complicated as a completely flexible solution, such as that from Flexopus, which allows desk sharing and can be seamlessly integrated.

They reflect the corporate culture and bring all employees together so that they can work together.

Fixed vs. flexible

Digital workplaces are the digital equivalent of large office spaces, and like these, they offer all the elements a company needs to operate. However, a digital workplace is much more flexible because it depends on the individual and the tools they use.

A company can limit itself to a single digital platform for their workplace, but an employee can switch between several programs as needed, including:

• word processors
• spreadsheets
• Image editing software
• Social media management software
• email programs

The workplace makes it easier to switch between these platforms and ensures that employees can stay in touch with their colleagues, but it is the individual programs, the work area, that they use for their work.

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The workplace dictates the work area

A successful digital workspace is not possible without an appropriate digital workplace. The latter dictates the former.

Companies must integrate the solutions that their employees need, whether that is that they have easy access to important tools, that they enable seamless collaboration, or that their creativity is always encouraged. This often requires a continuous process of gathering information. The workplace must encourage employees to voice their problems and ensure that they are resolved.

When a printer breaks down at a real workplace, you call someone to repair it; if there's a problem with parking, you do what needs to be done to fix it. This should also apply to digital workplaces.

Tips for managing a digital workplace

• Pay attention to what works and what doesn't
• Encourage open communication and feedback
• Set clear goals
• Capture failures and use them as opportunities for growth
• Organize occasional face-to-face meetings to encourage interaction and make it easier for employees to interact with each other.

Tips for managing a digital workspace

• Update all software
• Make sure employees know how to use the programs and train them when they can't.
• Keep workspaces organized
• Avoid too many distractions
• Question every process and streamline it where possible: Can this meeting be an email? Is this extra step really necessary?

Flexopus: The desk sharing solution for modern workplaces

Flexopus is the ultimate Desk sharing solution. It promotes collaboration and efficiency. It can be seamlessly integrated into any existing infrastructure and offers a wide range of functions:

• Booking function for workstations, meeting rooms and parking spaces
• Improves efficiency
• Designed with the hybrid model in mind
• Support for 13 languages
• Comprehensive data analytics

Request a demo todayto see what Flexopus can do for you.

Summary: Digital transformation with a new type of workspace and workplace

A digital workplace is an essential factor for many modern companies. It has an impact on every aspect of the company and forms the foundation on which the work culture is built. This also includes suitable workplaces that fit seamlessly into the digital workplace and give employees all the tools they need to stay productive.

When your company undergoes a digital transformation, start with the digital workplace, integrate appropriate digital workspaces, and build on them.