Is the Future of Work no longer a Digital Transformation, but a Human One? - Vidya Srinivasan, Digital HR Transformation and Service Delivery Consultant, EY

The #FutureofWork has been around for a while but the #COVID19 pandemic has undoubtedly accelerated this for many organisations globally; particularly those that were lagging on the maturity curve of adopting digital technologies and ways of working. However, what has been interesting to see, is the human element that this crisis has accentuated. The dialogue has decidedly has shifted towards purpose, empathy, trust, listening, relationships, collaboration, wellbeing and mental health. The underlying factor in all of these being the duty of care that organisations have towards their ecosystem of stakeholders and society; but equally one that each individual has towards one another. 

I was on a webcast recently where #CEOs from a cross-sector of global organisations unequivocally agreed that the conversations they were having currently were on a more human level. The debate was on how leaders of global and multi-national organisations supported each other as a community in these times with topics such as climate change, pay inequality, sustainability and mental health all having a seat on the table for a serious debate. Financial conversations continue to occur, but with an amplified human and moral lens; where decisions are not based solely around profitability, but making sure people are supported and paid on time, be it employees, business partners or suppliers. This perceived transition has been further emphasised by an article on wired.com that had future CEOs morphing into Chief Human Experience officers.

The success stories on social media are aplenty, not just from individuals but also business leaders from organisations across the globe, where they have successfully continued to collaborate and deliver on outcomes remotely in a productive manner. Here are some key themes that resonate across all these stories:

• Purpose that was an optional or tick in the box activity has become a mandate in terms of how organisations are responding to the crisis.
• Without nudges we are proactively appreciating those around us - be it healthcare workers, blue light services or anyone who has played their part to support and help.
• Across organisations there is a greater push and recognition to take time away from work to support pro-bono and volunteer causes.
• Remote working which was once a (often frowned upon) choice has been embraced through swift deployment of digital technologies.
• People across the ecosystem of work have dedicated more time to stay connected thereby deepening relationships - both professional and personal.
• There is a greater emphasis on physical and more importantly mental health and wellbeing. Enterprises are consciously and proactively encouraging their people to stick to a strict work schedule and take time to focus on mindfulness and physical exercise.

We are well into the lockdown period but the stories, photos and videos continue to emerge. Boundaries have shifted where we have had a peek into each other’s homes as we engage on video calls, where pets, kids, partners and family members make their appearances. There is an overwhelming feeling of love, empathy and being taken care of. These behaviours are distinctively different to previous times but undeniably common across the globe. 

Whilst I am huge advocate of the new normal, it did make me ponder. Will these changes be similar to the new year resolutions that we make - where we adopt new behaviours, with great gusto, to do something new, different or better; but within the first month of the year we have swiftly reverted? As we emerge from this crisis, will we continue to embrace virtual ways of working and collaboration or revert to the old norm of presenteeism? Will we continue to travel and commute across borders or leverage digital tools to connect and collaborate, thereby lessening carbon emissions? Will we continue to support a healthy work-life balance with sufficient focus on physical and mental wellbeing or go back to being workaholics? 

We have been collectively able to demonstrate that through the rapid deployment of technology and adoption of new ways of working we have beyond doubt enabled businesses continuity. However, it is not the smart tools that we deployed but the deepened human connections that have kept us strong during this crisis. And as we approach the end of the tunnel will there be a realisation that technology is but an enabler and it is the change in human behaviour and ways of working that will truly bring the future of work to life?

Will we embrace a new world of private and public partnerships focussed on long term value and collective impact? Has the worst situation brought out the best in each one of us and, as we move forward, will we take this along or revert to previous (bad) behaviours? Will the future belong to those who leave behind a legacy in these times or those who embrace the new ways of working into the future as the new norm? 

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The Covid situation is evidence that a crisis can do wonders to human behaviour. The speed at which we have embraced our human side as we have shown love, care and empathy beyond barriers has been impressive and inspiring. And I write this article hoping the world does not retreat to its comfort zone and this new norm transitions into life as we know it.

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Vidya is a Digital HR Transformation and Service Delivery consultant who is focused on helping client stakeholders at a C-Suite and Leadership level, with the delivery of agile and digital transformation programmes. She assures that these are aligned to the organisation's purpose, designed to be human centered and employee experience led and deliver on business outcomes and strategic priorities.