The Work In Progress Report

However, rather than trying to find a prescriptive answer to the problem, companies instead need to look at the situation from an employee's perspective. Every individual’s needs are different, and these change over time, so organizations need to create a flexible and adaptable structure.

WHAT A RIDE! Welcome to the messy world of change that we are now getting used to. What are learnings from these past turbulent months? TOP TAKEAWAYS:

 

TIME FOR TRANSFORMATION. Evolution is inevitable as tipping points are summited and:

• Revenue streams change – technology is disrupting operations e.g. accounting firms’ audit income is being automated away;
• Jobs go unfilled – quality talent is not interested without purpose/values/benefits OR automation is deterring new entrants from filling certain low level positions;
• Turnover rises – employers’ traditional culture, leadership, and lack of inclusion are causing defections especially in the tight job market.

 

 

AI TRICKS: The hot phrase of the year has been ‘artificial intelligence’. Sometimes much less intelligent that we could possibly fear, however, certainly relevant for each organization’s ability to compete going forward. Lots of hype to disregard, but not the general need to understand the impact and potential for each business/sector/industry and integrate appropriately.

 

FLEXIBILITY FIX. Workplace flexibility is faltering in places. Yes, it IS still critically important for speed, adaptiveness, and engagement. Yes, there IS an irreversibly-growing number of people working flexibly and remotely. But, NO, the same approaches are NOT suitable for leading, managing and supporting in- AND out-of-office workers.

 

MILLENNIAL MIX. What mindset did YOU bring to your daily interactions with colleagues this past year—whatever your and their generation? Entrenched attitudes and judgments about generations put many coworkers at odds with each other, under-valuing contributions, reducing collaboration, undermining productivity, and hurting results.

 

NEW NORMS.  Re-work @ work! Companies are in motion. Change is certainly a constant now. More people are acknowledging, accepting and becoming accustomed to it. New patterns and behaviors are starting to emerge as a result. Not all are beneficial.

 

Messiness is our reality as we work through technology-related tumult. More clarity and stability is ahead, calming the fear and uncertainty. More emotional understanding will allow us to adapt positively and thrive...2019 is the year for Empathy @ Work.

 

If you are looking for help dealing with the challenges experienced in 2018, please contact Sophie.Wade@FlexcelNetwork.com.

The shift to remote work has been one of the most conspicuous HR trends of 2020. Many industry forecasters believe a significant percentage of work will continue to be performed remotely in the years ahead, even after the coronavirus threat is contained.