London Tech Week hosts its Future of Work Summit 2021 on Wednesday 22nd September. Follow this link to join this in-depth panel discussion on cyber security, digital transformation, technology, wellbeing and culture within the workplace.

 

Digital solutions

The recent transformation to hybrid and remote working that many companies have adopted has resulted in an increased demand and need for the implementation of more robust working solutions. Within a digital setting, there are far more cyber risks and a subsequent need for better IT tools to combat this. Many companies have faced challenges from operating digitally, especially in terms of being affected by cyber attacks, so investing in new technologies should be a priority. When discussing how to avoid falling victim to cyber attacks, the IT Pro Portal writes:

“Companies can look for intelligent cloud-based solutions that combine the benefits of streaming an online workplace effortlessly with complete trust in the solution to resolve exposure to hackers.”

These solutions can help businesses establish a more robust working environment and find solutions to any cyber issues they are presented with.

At La Fosse, we have already implemented change ourselves to help the transition to hybrid working run smoothly, and we understand the importance of creating a cyber-secure digital environment. We also have an extensive cyber security team who help our clients find the right employees to implement cloud-based solutions and infrastructure, helping them to build more robust working solutions for their business. Alongside this, our consultancy arm La Fosse Digital Outcomes offers various managed services which can help you implement further transformations within your business.

 

The digital divide

As well as cyber issues, moving to a more digital world of work has created a digital divide, particularly between generations, wherein many older users or employees are not as used to using the technology needed to work completely remotely. This limits their ability to carry out their job and so companies need to address this and make sure they are taking the necessary steps to ensure inclusivity and accessibility to all employees. In some cases, the digital divide forces employers to rethink the way they communicate. According to Insight,

“Due to COVID-19 precautions, many employers continue to limit or prohibit in-person workplace interactions among non-essential workers. For these organisations, digital channels have become the primary, if not the only, means of communication.”

This compounds the digital divide, often leaving many employees unhappy with their work life experience. Worryingly, “just 2 in 5 organisations assess overall satisfaction with communications, behaviour change and business outcomes.” This creates a divide not only between employees but between the employee and company itself, potentially resulting in a negative impact on overall business.

 

Wellbeing and culture

Luckily, there are ways to close the digital divide. In addition to properly training staff on new digital tools, technology and wellbeing go hand in hand to create a consistent and functioning workplace. Companies offering regular meetings, team calls and online events can increase wellbeing within the company and give employees a greater sense of belonging and inclusion.

Additionally, constant screen time and minimal face time when working from home can result in more stress and a poor work-life balance, negatively impacting wellbeing. With home working being a big part of ‘the new normal’, both employers and employees will need to learn to adapt. Although it can be overwhelming now, Kenneth Cukier, senior editor at The Economist, gives his view that,

“Over the next 10 years, the industry will get better at making it more subtle rather than distracting, and people will develop the social norms and personal behaviours to interact with digital technologies less frenetically.”

Building a desirable company culture is key to any business. Especially after COVID, it is more important than ever for attracting new talent and employees, standing out from other companies, and maintaining a happy workforce. According to research by Deloitte, 94% of executives and 88% of employees believe a distinct corporate culture is important to a business’ success. In addition to this, a recent Robert Half survey found that more than a third of workers would pass on the perfect job if the culture wasn’t a good match for them and over 90% of managers said a candidate’s fit with the organization is equal to or more important than their skills and experience.

A recent LinkedIn study also found that if you’re looking to positively impact hiring, talent management, or employee experience, you must provide them with an environment that gives them purpose. Speaking from their own analysis, LinkedIn reported:

“Our purpose-oriented employees have higher levels of engagement and fulfillment with their work. They outperform their peers in every indicator, including expected tenure and leadership competencies like self-advocacy and comfort with senior leadership.”

The executive chairman of LinkedIn states also that “companies that understand the increasing emphasis of purpose in today’s professional landscape improve their ability to attract such employees and also their ability to retain them for longer periods of time.” LinkedIn also found that companies who didn’t prioritise their company culture and were not ‘purpose-led’ saw a 42% drop in revenue compared to those who did.

At La Fosse, we take culture seriously. Our consultants regularly advise client on how to improve company culture and make their business more attractive to potential employees. But don’t just take our word for it – listening to our employees and constantly implementing changes throughout the years has resulted in us being named one of the ‘100 Best Small/Mid-Market Companies to Work For’ for 9 years running!

Most recently, we have hired our first Chief People Officer, Jackie Dane, who is in charge of maintaining and enhancing our company culture and looking after our people. In Jackie’s own words:

“Creating a culture where people can thrive is critical to business success. A healthy culture should make everyone feel a sense of belonging and identification with the organisation’s values, beliefs, and behaviours. Having that connection allows individuals to be themselves, feel psychologically secure and create better engagement and creativity in the workplace. It goes without saying that companies that harness diverse and inclusive environments drive innovation that’s reflective of the diverse views of the communities they serve.”

As well as listening closely to the needs of our employees through regular employee surveys, we also offer a range of wellbeing and mental health offerings – this goes hand in hand with culture, and we believe that services such as counselling, hypnotherapy, wellness coaching, and our volunteer mental health first aiders across the business help our employees to feel supported and able to bring their best selves to work.

 

Don’t forget, it’s still important to look after your health and wellbeing when you’re between jobs too. Check out this article for our top tips.