Computers in the Workplace... Or like women, should their place be in the home?

Just kidding about that "women's place in the home thing... But I got you reading didnt I?

     I work in the Financial Services industry. My company provides many different services other than life insurance. They provide services for retirement, annuities, investment securities, group life insurance and group disability. Due to its involvement with financial securities, Prudential is regulated closely by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority or FINRA. While the Securities and Exchange Commission is the government agency that acts as the regulator of the securities industry.

     The functions of computers in my industry are useful for the completion of several different tasks. Computers are used for database management for customer information as well as maintaining licensing for the Financial Professionals. Computers help communicate important information within the company via email, instant messaging and the intranet. They are used within the customer service office to provide accurate information to the client. And also access imaged documents that were used prior to the use of computers in the company.  

     Employees need to be computer literate for efficiency purposes and because providing incorrect information can cost the company money and affect its reputation. I have seen a major change in the evolution of computer hardware and networking since I first started working at mo company in 2000. At the time, our local office utilized all 19 floors of the building for staffing our employees. Everyone had a desk, and desktop computer to use for work. Currently, my company only utilizes 6 floors while the remaining floors are leased out to other companies. The reason for this has been the evolution of company software. My company currently uses virtual desktop interface (VDI) sessions which allows an employee to access their desktop anywhere remotely. Most employees work remotely now so they need to know how to troubleshoot their own systems issues to determine if it’s a problem on their end that can be fixed by restarting the computer (Hello, Control-Alt-Delete!), or if the issue is impacting a larger group which requires assistance from the Helpdesk. I feel in ten years; the number of remote workers will increase to the point that there won’t be a need for offices.

When that happens, I suppose a computer's place will ultimately be in the home!
SEE WHAT I DID THERE?!?!?!  

-The Stealth Nerd Girlfriend, They never see me coming!