Most people assume the terms “workspace” and “workplace” are synonymous and use the terms interchangeably. However, there are distinct differences between the two, especially when it comes to the digital sector.
You have most likely heard the term "Digital Workspace" thrown around. But what is a digital workspace? Well the digital workspace definition is that it is software that is designed to provide and manage things such as data, task management functionality and other features enabling work to be done online.
A digital workspace is a virtual version, or the modern equivalent of, your individual workstation. Essentially, the digital workspace consists of a collection of evolving technologies that all ensure that you can get work done from any device, any time. Some of the most common constituents of its integrated technology framework include:
Using the right kind of digital workspace with functionality that matches your needs, can really improve productivity and efficiency while working remotely. Additional benefits of a digital workspace include:
On the other hand, a digital workplace is a cloud-based work platform that allows the work environment as a whole to be moved to the virtual space. You will find all the apps, data, tools, and collaboration features you need to perform work in a secure online interface. And of course, this work platform needs to be accessible anytime, anywhere, and on any device.
We previously compared a digital workspace to a virtual version of your personal workstation. Using a similar comparison, a digital workplace would be the virtual equivalent of your entire office. In simpler words, a digital workplace is an online environment where employees meet and collaborate while working remotely. It is a unified online platform where all the employee-dedicated apps are connected and activities are coordinated. As such, a digital workplace can usually contain several different workspaces.
Furthermore, a digital workplace allows for:
Adoption of a digital workplace comes with many benefits. Some of them include the following:
Now that we have defined each of the terms, here are a few significant differences in how a digital workspace is distinct from a digital workplace.
Digital workspaces tend to be task-specific, while a digital workplace is more consistent over time. A digital workplace is mainly an environment where team members virtually meet to collaborate, access workspaces and maintain an overview of tools and resources. This work environment allows for the storage of documents and data, access to tools, and everything that enables employees to work together effectively. Like the physical workplace, it is all about the employee experience and fostering its corporate culture.
On the other hand, the digital workspace changes depending on your needs and tasks. For instance, a list-making application becomes your workspace when you use it to manage tasks. You can then move on to work on a social media management application to schedule and manage social media posts, which becomes your digital workspace for those purposes.
A digital workspace is a component of the larger digital workplace environment. Look at it this way; it's like the workstation that is a small part of the workplace. While the digital workplace provides the necessary infrastructure for work to be done, the digital workspace is where the work is actually done.
Besides the digital workplace trumping the workspace in terms of size, it also impacts the nature of the digital workspace. Its impact trickles down to every aspect of how employees work, communicate, and collaborate.
As part of the optimization process, data on the performance of the platform and employee feedback is used to improve how work is done. That may include a change of tools or adjustment of processes that directly impact the digital workspaces. Your digital workplace determines the work culture which is implemented in the digital workspaces.
In short, the digital workspace is like a workstation, while the digital workplace is like the entire office.
If you’re looking to create a well-rounded digital workplace that allows you to manage multiple workspaces with file/link sharing, bookmarks, apps, and password management - we have you covered.
Desktop.com is an easy-to-use platform that helps you communicate with your team, manage digital workspaces, and much more. With our well-rounded and secure functionality, connecting the dots of remote work has never been easier.
