“Last year, we put out a call to action on this front by asking organizations to “reinvent with a human focus.” But as we enter into a new decade, we have realized that that we need to go one step further. Instead of asking how to humanize a work environment inundated by technology, the deeper question for organizations is how they can leverage the environment that technology creates to humanize the world of work” (Deloitte’s Human capital Trends Report, 2020)
When considering this notion, it’s imperative to spend some time pondering the way that the modern workplace has evolved over the past decade and this trend seems to be shifting into high gear where we currently find ourselves facing the next decade of evolution.
By recognizing the possibilities of remaining distinctly human whilst employing more and more technology to enable a productive workforce is a paradox in and of itself, but there are various perspectives that one can consider and the foundation to this is, “how can we work in a world shaped by technology and still enable people within organizations to transcend the most challenging conflicts that exist?”
Encourage belonging amid a desire for individuality
According to Deloitte’s report, 79% of respondents surveyed, said that they want to feel like they belong to something greater than themselves and that fostering a sense of belonging would be even more important over the next 12-18 months. So, instead of creating divisions organisations can consider unique and complimentary abilities together to work towards a common goal/vision.
How? Optimise the power of individuals to connect them with each other through their purpose at work.
Creating security in a world of reinvention
The apparent juxtaposition that exists in this regard is the need for people to want to feel secure, yet technology can threaten this in some ways. The over-arching response to this dilemma is that people feel the importance of reinventing themselves to create the space to better work with new and emerging tech.
How? Organisations need to leverage reinvention as a way to increase their people’s potential for long-term success. The best way to do this is by creating a culture that embraces rapid learning and providing digital tools that enable this process.
Being brave in the era of uncertainty
The influx of technology can make it feel like anything can change – and recent developments means that it can, at a moment’s notice. Overall, organisations feel a sense of urgency and uncertainty about readiness to navigate the inevitable changes that technology brings. According to the report compiled by Deloittes, 90% of respondents said that the accelerating need for organisations to keep up with the rate of change, is a business imperative for their success over the next few years. How? Organisations need to transform uncertainty into an informed perspective that helps them confidently navigate the future of work.
In a nutshell, these three perspectives provide a framework against which organisations can start to reimagine the current and future scenarios and plan accordingly, with their most valuable assets – their people, in tow.
Contact us today to find out more Summit: future@reachsummit.co.za
