Change is a constant, and the speed at which we adapt is crucial for success and survival. The year 2020 has highlighted how the way we work can quickly transform. With the impact of Covid-19, many of us shifted from fixed office jobs to remote work, and now we are navigating a new concept - hybrid work.
The physical location of where we work is becoming less relevant, as virtual boundaries take on greater importance. Technological tools that enable us to connect with colleagues, communicate with teams, collaborate on projects, and participate in internal initiatives have become indispensable. However, these solutions are often implemented without a clear purpose, scattered across the organization, and sometimes inaccessible to many potential users. Poor utilization of these tools is not only due to the lack of preparedness among end users, but also the failure to consider the unique context of each organization, including its internal structure, dynamics, and culture.
While some organizations struggle with internal communication and productivity, others prioritize building a collaborative spirit within and between teams, promoting creativity and innovation, and addressing topics such as accountability, decentralization, proximity, participation, and recognition of employees. These challenges should be addressed holistically as part of the transition to the "new normal" of work.
It is important to consider all employees in the digital transition strategy, including front-line workers who may not have exclusive access to computers, such as those in attendance, cleaning, maintenance, factory production, transportation, logistics, and other roles. Whether they are internal employees, external consultants, freelancers, or other partners, an inclusive approach is crucial. The chosen modern work solution should be user-friendly, allowing mobile access on employees' devices, while maintaining high security standards to protect the organization's information systems.
The effort required for this transition is primarily focused on change management, as the cost of technology has significantly decreased. Today, there are ready-to-use platforms for modern and digital work available as a service, with pricing indexed to actual usage (e.g., number of employees), without the need for initial investments or hidden costs for infrastructure, maintenance, or upgrades.
The cost of not embracing digital transformation and clinging to outdated processes is much higher in the long run. Once the topic is on the organization's internal agenda and the project governance is defined, the team of "ambassadors" should be diverse, incorporating elements of internal communication, human resources, and IT. The old intranet can be replaced with a productive, collaborative, and creative virtual-social space that reflects the organization's culture, and the benefits of this transition will become evident in due course.
Modified and updated in 2023, this article was originally published at Jornal Económico on November 30, 2020.
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