(Digital) Wind of Change — Changes in the workplace
“The only constant in life is change”
People have to keep changing to keep up with fast-paced digital change. Nowadays employees are expected to be flexible, master several roles and perform to the highest standard. The digital change also demands brand new skills from the managers themselves. Efficiency used to be one of the most important values in companies. In the modern world, a company’s ability to be innovative is the main focus. If they don’t consider this change, the competition will wipe them out, it’s as simple as that.
How are our workplaces actually changing?
The sharing economy principle, or sharing services like the Airbnb model, is making its way back into the working world, meaning on-call work more will become more important in the future. Working with Research NOW, consultancy firm Deloitte discovered that 25% of the Swiss working population took on project-based, temporary or additional work. Furthermore, new working models such as coworking and the implementation of flexible workplaces bring several advantages. A flexible working environment increases productivity and employee satisfaction because it provides a better work-life balance. The commute is also reduced, which therefore relieves transport networks. Companies can economize their infrastructure, and space can be used in the best possible way as a result.
Managing change in the workplace
Despite change being everywhere, people often struggle to let go of old habits. Change in the workplace or in a team can cause employees to feel uneasy, which impacts performance and team cohesion. For employees, the biggest question is: “What will this change mean for me personally?” Managers, therefore, have the main responsibility when it comes to explaining the purpose of the change to employees.
The key to success lies in experienceable communication
Andrej Isler, creative director at Brandsoul, sees it like this: “For change projects, communication is the crucial factor. Powerpoint presentations aren’t going to spark any enthusiasm – but that has to be the aim when it comes to communicating change projects. Our experience shows that targeted, conversational communication that can be experienced leads to the best results. Employees should be convinced and excited, not persuaded. They should be at the center of the process and play an active role in it. Communication strategies should aim to invite employees to take part in a dialogue. The most successful results can be achieved through things like a Future Day, Innovation Lab or NEXT Day.”
This article was brought to you by Brandsoul. Brandsoul is the leading agency in all matters integrated communication and brand experience — all with the purpose of Activating People.
Published 30.01.2019 © Brandsoul AG
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