The Covid pandemic has led to the widespread adoption of new ways of working almost overnight. With the shift towards a variable mix of remote and office-based working as the new ‘normal’, organisations are now recognising the need for a broader transformation strategy and programme. Achieving this whilst adapting workspace to meet employee and business needs is key for future success.
Transition 15 founder, Matt Perry, shares his thoughts on why businesses should seize this opportunity to evaluate performance and to reshape into more resilient, agile and productive organisations that are ‘match fit‘ for the future.
What are the key areas of concern for business at the moment?
Whilst organisations are starting to function in a new ‚normal‘, with new ways of working, there is recognition that it has impacted on key areas related to business success including creativity and innovation, trust and connection as well as productivity and wellbeing.
Many organisations lack a clear, long-term strategy on how to adapt for their people, places of work and processes. This is vital for future success and presents a great opportunity to reimagine how and where we work.
How should businesses seize this as an opportunity?
The heart of an organisation is its people with the key to high and continued productivity being a people-centric approach. There should be recognition that each employee has had very different experiences over the last six months and their thoughts on future working may differ. Flexibility will be key.
This doesn’t mean organisations should be led by employees but it is important to listen to their needs and concerns and to ensure their buy-in for a future strategy and vision.
A key part of our approach at Transition 15 is to understand the needs of the individual, team and
organisation before co-designing a bespoke programme to meet the unique needs of each organsiation.
Do you see organisations continuing to need workspace in the future?
Absolutely, although rather than traditional office space, organisations are increasingly looking at
collaboration hubs. Shared workspace is vital for team collaboration and connection as well as creativity and
innovation- all of which have been impacted by the rapid shift in working habits. Learning and development opportunities, particularly for younger employees, and the on-boarding of new employees all rely heavily on
observational and experiential learning which can really only take place in person.
Organisations need a clear, long-term hybrid work strategy facilitating new ways of working whilst leveraging essential human interaction to create resilient, agile and productive organisations with a competitive edge.
How has Transition 15 been helping organisations during the pandemic?
At Transition 15, we have been using our experience in creating new team dynamics and ways of working to help individuals, teams and organisations develop and adapt at pace to a hybrid working model. Our approach supports organisations with a transformation programme optimising creativity, trust, connection, productivity and wellbeing across all workplace settings.
We’ve also recognised the need for an integrated approach to work culture and workplace transformation as organisations begin to navigate the ‘return to office’ process in the long run. Although Government guidance has reverted to a WFH policy where possible for now, forward-thinking organisations recognise that shared workspace will continue to be vital. What this looks like will differ from business to business. We’re excited to be partnering with IESIS Urban, design and fit-out strategists for workplace environments, to support organisations through this aspect of the transformation programme.
We’d love to chat to find out how we can enable a safe, successful and sustainable transition to hybrid working for your organisation over the next few months.
