The age of modern computers started with the adoption of personal computers in the 1980s. During this time, the idea that each person can own a powerful computer was groundbreaking. In particular, this had significant implications in the workplace; companies had to incorporate this new technology into their fold to stay competitive. Computers have since then largely contributed to the evolution of the workplace, making it more streamlined and connected.

Efficiency

Computers have either automated or significantly accelerated daily work tasks. For instance, creating reports has become streamlined through Office software suites; a user can integrate tables, text and images all within one report file.

He can create formulae to automate complex calculations; a statistics sheet can calculate and report entire balance sheets and income statements from a few value changes. The Internet has also made external research extremely easy. A user can find a competitor’s historical financial data, upcoming news and latest products within minutes.

Communication

While computers -- the Internet in particular -- have generated instant means of communication for the general public, companies are among the entities which utilize these technologies the most. In addition to instant messaging, businesses normally use computers to conduct conference calls and chat rooms with people from remote locations -- some of them international.

These technologies make international and global businesses possible as managers can constantly keep track of the progress of their business overseas. Company emails effectively send messages and announcements from top management to all ground-level employees.

Task Management

A micro-user effect of computers is effective task management. Most professional workers in companies often engage in multitasking; for example, an administrative assistant may have to update contact files and answer email queries within the same hour.

Modern computers are equipped with the processing power to handle multiple open applications at once. More complex task management tools come in the form of enterprise software, designed to handle a variety of business tasks such as resource planning, HR management, billing systems and manufacturing scheduling. These often integrate into the company as the backbone of its operations.

Business Model

Advances in computing and networking technology have created business models based on this technology. For example, the popularity of search engines such as Google and Yahoo! created jobs revolving around marketing to these users -- search engine optimizers and search engine management. Professionals in these areas use tools such as keyword editors and competitive pricing research which are specifically designed for search engines. Other people use their personal computers to create and manage their office space from home; people purely base their business and work -- such as selling products and promoting services -- in the online platform.