Business agility and how companies can ensure success with Beng Cortes, VP HR, JGSPC
Excerpts from the conversation:
Q: How has the renewed focus on communication, engagement, wellness, and productivity impacted your employee experience strategy?
Initially, we faced some uncertainty about how to strengthen employee experience amidst the pandemic's upheaval. As the situation unfolded, we had to quickly pivot our strategy. Just three months in, after gaining a clearer understanding of the pandemic's effects, we revamped our approach to employee experience. We shifted most of our engagement practices to a virtual format, embracing the limitations of face-to-face interactions while maintaining productivity.
Our HR team embraced technology, leveraging existing platforms to meet our goals. We accelerated digitization projects, such as simplifying HR processes and enhancing our digital Employee Hub. This shift allowed us to reach more employees through virtual town halls, newsletters, training, development programs, employee relations activities, and team-building events. While enhancing digital capabilities for employees remains a priority, we've also focused on upgrading our internal processes and systems.
Q: How are employers responding to the need to enhance the digital capabilities of internal processes and systems?
Before the pandemic, our organization was already preparing for digital transformation. The crisis accelerated our digitization efforts, which, in hindsight, was a silver lining. It catalyzed organizational agility and innovation.
We supported every digitization initiative aimed at improving processes and systems. For instance, in HR, we're about to launch a new HR Management System focused on recruitment, performance management, and career development. This new system is designed to be user-friendly and accessible 24/7, ensuring employees receive real-time feedback and can engage in regular conversations with their managers. Our goal is to leverage technology to enhance productivity and make work more enjoyable.
Q:How can employers and leaders strengthen the ecosystem for a distributed workforce to achieve business agility and operational excellence?
Leaders must continuously evolve and not become complacent. Any initiative, including cultural shifts, needs to be enterprise-wide and sustainable.
For example, we’re undertaking an Agile project to transform our organizational culture. Embracing and leading change effectively is crucial for leaders in this disrupted world. Adapting to change will distinguish between merely surviving and truly thriving.
Q: How do you see the role of digital workflow solutions in enabling workplace communication and efficiency, especially cross-functional communication?
Choosing the right digital workflow solution is crucial. It requires organizational maturity and effective change management, as traditional work methods are evolving. A well-suited digital workflow solution can significantly boost workplace efficiency.
Collaboration tools have facilitated communication across functions, but once the novelty of constant virtual connectivity wears off, people will still crave face-to-face interactions. We are inherently social beings, and in-person experiences remain valuable.