It happens almost daily: New technological advances change how employees around the world get work done. A great example of the impact technology on business is making work (and employees) more portable. Thanks to tablet computing, wi-fi, easy access to limitless data storage, and smart phone technology, people can work from almost anywhere at anytime. And organizations leading the charge in mobilized workforce strategies are realizing the benefits of collaboration with better work products and increased productivity.

When it comes to technology designed to support this evolving workplace of the future, what's next? Will anyone have a dedicated office or space? Will a physical office presence become a thing of the past? How can leaders create a workplace that fosters productivity, efficiency and collaboration – and creates a company culture current and future workforces will embrace? Here are four considerations your leadership team must consider as they prepare, deploy and support technology strategies for a truly portable workplace that is right around the corner.

Continue to provide Employees with Technology that helps them

Laptops and mobile devices, coupled with Internet access, are commonplace office tools that we all expect in the workplace. Employees must feel empowered to take their computers and smart phones with them wherever they go. And when workers need to collaborate on projects, provide them with an atmosphere where they can meet and have access to the information they need. One recent example: as part of a recent product implementation, a Fortune 500 client reported drop-in sites with WiFi access were utilized 3 to 1 over fixed seating options with wired network drops.

As college graduates enter the workforce, they are accustomed to working in small groups while simultaneously communicating with their social networks. Employers can leverage these skilled multi-taskers by ensuring they have access to the technologies they need – namely the Internet and the latest mobile devices such as tablet computers and smart phones. Employers should not place narrow parameters on how these former luxury devices get used to complete projects. Cumbersome Bring Your Own Device Policies and strict rules around technology usage frustrate an increasingly technology -savvy workforce and create a culture of distrust. Instead, leadership teams should enable employees to use the tools to their fullest capabilities and reap the productivity gains.

Use Technology to do things in more Innovative ways

The information technology curve for a productive and efficient business can be summed up in four words: Cloud, applications, mobility and social. If you are not thinking about how to develop and deploy these four business-critical technologies, it’s time to rethink your IT strategy.

Leveraging cloud-based services for software and data storage enables employees work virtually anytime, anywhere. Cumbersome VPN connectivity and arcane file server network searches will sink employee morale when their social technology experiences have clearly shown them there is a better way. The traditional "employee backpack" approach of supplying traditional desktop PCs, designated workspaces, and land lines are giving way to newer, productivity-enhancing applications designed for tablet and smart phone devices. And with access to data via the Cloud and the rise of sophisticated analytics via "Big Data" employees can manage every aspect of their jobs – from making strategic decisions to recording time and managing expense reports – from their mobile device.

Speaking of mobility – organizations that place high emphasis on workplace mobility solutions will generate as much as 30 percent bottom line occupancy savings per year with a bit of real estate management diligence. Just like the technology that serves us, corporate workplaces are becoming smaller with less traditional work cubes and more gathering spaces for collaboration and social conversations.

Lastly, organizations that use the social networks your employees are most familiar with enhanced overall productivity. Do not deploy proprietary social network tools built only for business. Adapt and adopt to the proven social tools that make sense for your business.

Cater to Employees' needs as they work Remotely more Frequently

As technology drives change in how companies and employees do business, the physical office or workplace loses its importance in many ways. Progressive organizations encourage employees to telecommute from their location of choice. But frequently, remote office workers and telecommuters find themselves isolated from the organization. The isolation can deteriorate employee/workplace relationships unless your organization connects people more thoughtfully.

One technology trend organizations can use to ensure employees stay connected to the workplace is access to the same tools available at the physical office location. For example, remote workers should be able to schedule meetings in the office when they need to with all the confidence that the meeting room they schedule will be available to them. In addition, organizations can maximize their available real estate by providing remote workers with hotel office space that can be reserved in advance online.

Additionally, ad-hoc access to space and collaboration areas should be easy to find and access for employees that are dropping into the office. Lobby dashboards, interactive floorplan displays for space availability, and even low cost solutions like actionable QR Codes can be leveraged to facilitate the experience. Giving employees access to a physical workspace when they need it allows them to stay connected to the organization and to their co-workers.

Maintain a Thriving Corporate Culture

A recent study called the Kelly Global Workforce Index showed that 37 percent of workers feel pressured to stay connected with work outside of normal working hours. Mobile technologies may improve work efficiency and productivity, but it also contributes to employee fatigue and burnout. As our global workforce continues to conduct business virtually, it's vital that the organization helps employees maintain their work-life balance.

Companies must revisit and revise work-life policies with frequency. Create clear work-life balance policies that employees will embrace and adhere to. To ensure success, practice these policies from the top down, i.e., weekend emails from senior leaders should be a rarity, not the norm for the workplace to take these guidelines seriously.

In short, the technological revolution will continue to evolve the workplace and it's up to you to carefully determine which solutions will positively impact workplace cost savings and improve employee productivity. As you examine opportunities and solutions, continue to monitor and measure the impact technology is having on the organization and its people.