Organisations everywhere have had to rethink and re-strategize business plans due to Covid-19.
“In Australia, the mass adoption of remote working saw companies increase investment in tools and technologies that facilitate remote working without sacrificing productivity or workplace efficiencies,” Vice President and Country Manager, Pitney Bowes Japan, Australia & New Zealand, Stephen Darracott says.
“However, the changes that companies have implemented run deeper than technology deployments, and there are a number of cultural changes – like an increased focus on mental health or social responsibility – that businesses should maintain.”
- Hybrid working
As the threat of Covid recedes, more organisations are considering a hybrid approach where employees work in the office sometimes but still have the flexibility to work remotely as desired.
- Focus on mental wellbeing
Organisations looking towards hybrid working environments help encourage and maintain employee engagement through providing flexible working practices.
Hybrid working environments also help to improve mental wellbeing in the workplace by alleviating some feeling of isolation that complete remote working can instigate.
- Increase collaboration & communication
Investing in collaborative and communicative technologies lets business leaders enhance communication among their workforces as they move forward from the pandemic.
Video communication platforms and digital workspaces like Microsoft Teams have been critical in fostering greater workplace collaboration.
- Embrace a mix of digital and physical
When it comes to communicating with customers, digital is not the only medium to consider. Sending information by mail can make an impact.
81% of Aussies open and read their mail immediately, says research from Accenture.
- Expand business automation
Automating business processes helps to eliminate human error and reduce potential risk, which drive businesses further towards digital transformation.
Automation can help improve the customer experience, help a business comply with new regulations.
- Consider cloud-based solutions
Research from Cisco predicts that globally 94% of workloads will be processed by cloud data centres.
Adopting cloud-based tools empower employees to remain productive and collaborative outside of the traditional office environment, letting them work from anywhere at any time.
- Ongoing commitment to brand purpose and action
Many organisations have recognised the continued importance of corporate social responsibility programs. Throughout the pandemic, businesses have developed a stronger sense of purpose, with many diverting resources to help contribute repurposed laptops, and food packages to hospital workers or pivoting to manufacturing hand sanitiser and personal protective equipment to support the response.
