Thursday, March 28, 2024

Were Businesses Run Differently Before the Information Age?

August 18, 2017 by  
Filed under Business, Opinion, Weekly Columns

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(ThyBlackMan.com) When you look back on the past and the way businesses were run before the information age took hold, it’s amazing how things have changed. From clunky typewriters to sleek laptops and from smoky conference rooms to offices that are completely smoke-free, a lot has changed over the years about the way offices are run. Of course, there are a few things that can’t be changed, no matter how modern the world becomes or how tech savvy people get.

Water Cooler Gossip

Before we get into the different technologies that have shaped many industries recently, let’s discuss one thing that will probably never change; the natural tendency all people have for gossip. The shape of the office water dispenser in your place of business may have changed but one thing that hasn’t is the water cooler gossip that goes on around it. For decades now, office employees have gotten the office gossip around the water cooler and that isn’t apt to change any time soon.

Computers VS Typewriters

One major change in the way offices run is the difference between computers and typewriters. For many, many years, any office work was done on a manual typewriter and to correct mistakes you have to use white out. Once the electric typewriter came along, you still had to use whiteout and paper had to be loaded into the typewriter as well. Today, things are entirely different with all work being done on a personal computer. This is a plus for everyone who works in an office and makes the world a whole lot easier place as well.

Printing Presses VS Printers

One of the best things the information age has brought the office worker is the printer. In the past, printing presses were used to print all newspapers and other essential office documents. Now, it’s as simple as hitting a button on your laptop and the laser printer in the next room will quickly print your documents for you. Oh, and don’t forget the scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities that come with many printers as well.

Much Better Connectivity

At one time, getting in touch with a customer meant sending them a letter in the mail or talking to them on the phone, that has changed drastically with the coming of the information age. Below you will find a few of the ways that connectivity is much, much better than in the past.

·  Email

·  Chat pods

·  Chat rooms

·  Social media

·  Mobile phones

At one time, you had to have business meetings face-to-face. Now you can schedule a meeting with someone on the other side of the world and do it from the comfort of your desk, or even your own home.

These are just a few of the ways that businesses are run differently since the information age began. Much has changed, but the people are the same. Gossip around the water cooler will never change, whether you have printers and Skype, or not!

Staff Writer; Harry Ross


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