We see the end of the tunnel and the end of the COVID pandemic, at least in Europe. Are we going to see a return to normal work? Many say so: it will not be like before! So, what will change?
The pandemic has allowed many companies to question their workspaces, processes, management, and technology. Have these reflections been carried out in depth and seriously or in the light of circumstances as a stopgap measure?
How many companies have already found answers to the following questions?
• Do my customers have the same habits and expectations than before and what should I offer? • Have my employees expressed wishes and needs because of teleworking and how can I meet them? • Does my management still correspond to this “new normal” and are my managers able to manage face-to-face and remote work with the same ease? • Do I need the same spaces in terms of both space and functionality? Does the current location still fit the new reality? • Is the infrastructure management (FM) still adapted to the new normality? • Are my management indicators (KPI’s) still adequate for today’s and tomorrow’s reality?
Answering these questions takes time. You need to get advice, observe the market, anticipate needs, create new materials or processes, and then test whether they are suitable.
Our observations show three main trends: companies that are desperate to return to the pre-crisis situation, those that are questioning the viability of their approach in the medium term and are looking to change, and those that are very innovative and have already integrated the new situation.
One should not change for the sake of change or copy others because it is “trendy”: one should be totally convinced that adaptations are necessary and useful. Are all business leaders capable of questioning what they have often built up over many years?
It is said that power is a solitary exercise. Of course, but having the open-mindedness to question one’s certainties, to confront one’s ideas with others and to be able to evolve can only bring a form of serenity, the recognition of customers, employees and finally, the market.
Good luck and good reading.