IT is now called the cultural reset. A situation wherein shifts in attitudes and ways of doing things that continue to consider the health effects of the COVID-19 virus. These shifts are found everywhere–in the classroom with hybrid classes being the emerging norm and flexible working hours and spaces being the workstyle of the new normal.
According to a report in the Philippines alone, 73 percent of 161 CEOs surveyed said they are willing to keep their current work-from-home setups or alternative work arrangements in their organizations. The report was released by the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) and PwC Philippines.
This pandemic-induced work set-up prompted a cultural reset within organizations. Accelerated megatrends, such as the need to transform digitally and the increasing smartphone usage pushed organizations not willing to change, culture-wise to risk the loss of one of the most important elements of their business–their workforce.
This is because, over the past year, organizations that merely dabbled in flexible working have been forced out of their comfort zones. Firms across all industries and sectors eventually figured out how to enable their employees to embrace flexible setups, such as working from home (WFH). And this trend is unlikely to slow down in the next couple of years.
How then can organizations hold on to their key talents and thrive now and in the future?
For Raul “Cricket” Santiago, president and CEO of Fujitsu Philippines, organizations must redefine the values in their cultural DNA.
“Organizations must foster company values that would help them create a different workforce culture. More than producing performance and output, they need to create a workplace experience with a greater focus on the safety and well-being of their employees,” said Santiago.
Apart from the current company values that already define the organizations’ culture, Santiago noted that it also pays to foster three important aspects–Empathy, Collaboration, and Innovation.
Empathy. Amid the unexpected events that led up to the new normal, one crucial value often neglected by organizations is empathy. This is one of the most important assets that businesses could offer their employees–being empathetic means listening and understanding the concerns of their employees so they can provide proper support to their specific circumstances.
Collaboration. Since employees are working remotely, it is integral for organizations to foster collaboration even more by ensuring that everyone stays connected. And it goes beyond just regular virtual meetings.
Apart from providing digital tools and devices, leaders must ensure that they encourage open and transparent communication, especially on matters that directly affect employees. This mindset builds on a sense of community within the organization.
Innovation. The disruptions experienced by organizations and their employees last year serve as a salient reminder to be open to changes or get left behind. They need to rethink their workforce strategy by understanding how to reskill and develop future talents and recruit based on future skills and cultural requirements.
Empowering their employees with digital tools and technologies is also integral. Accelerating further their digital transformation initiatives will help organizations become more responsive and able to pivot quickly in the face of global and local challenges.
