Navigating the new norm: The Blueprint for a Resilient Workplace
As our workplaces change and adapt, we need to prepare for the future, not just the present. That’s why we are excited to share with you our new insight piece from Julie Ennis, MBA, CEO Corporate Services UK & Ireland and Country President Ireland at Sodexo.
I recently delivered a keynote speech at Sodexo’s “Future proof workplace” Virtual Summit. The event brought together industry leaders and professionals to discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We covered key topics such as the vital interconnection between people, space, and sustainability, as well as the Net-Zero office and the key drivers of transformation. I took the summit as an opportunity to share some of the fascinating findings from our latest Work Experience Tracker, where we heard from 3,000 working adults across different sectors. It is now compiled in a comprehensive report available to all of you. I've also had the privilege of sharing the virtual stage with futurist author and TED Talker, Anne Lise Kjaer, and hear her vision about work in 2030.Today, I'd like to highlight some key takeaways from the virtual summit keynote and invite you to dive deeper into this fascinating topic.
But first, let's start by asking ourselves, what does it mean to be future proof?
The workplace is rapidly changing, influenced by the post-pandemic era, rising costs of living, employee disconnection, and ongoing cultural transformations. As we gaze into the future, our discussions about the workplace revolve around work pattern changes, innovative workspace designs, technological advancements, and emerging generational expectations. AI and sustainability are also affecting our evolving views on work. Future-proofing the workplace has to do with embracing curiosity, agility and flexibility to address these challenges, while placing people, spaces and sustainability at the centre of the equation. This will allow businesses to create resilient work environments that meet employee needs and align with evolving expectations.
Human connection is missing link to building a future-proof workplace
One of the most significant discoveries from our Work Experience Tracker is that UK employees still prefer remote working and are more cost-conscious than ever. Yet, our research shows a glaring gap in today’s work ecosystem-the human connection. From our survey, 36% of employees said they would come in more frequently to see other people in some form. This finding has also been validated by our observation through sensor data collected in our London HQ, a space that’s designed to facilitate collaboration and connection. Looking at our data, it's clear that when given the choice, employees gravitate towards collaborative areas, while traditional workspaces often remain less populated. And these spaces buzz not just during work hours, but also after, as social hotspots. This paradigm shift is transforming the way we view workspaces and makes us recognise the need for them to become vibrant hubs that foster connection, collaboration and socialisation. We must create workspaces that foster authentic connections and nurture the well-being of our employees.
Interestingly, there is a significant percentage of employees that are 'quietly dissatisfied' but not yet appearing to take action. Organisations are now conscious of quiet quitters, but why is this other key group being overlooked? What piece of the puzzle are we missing?
Our research has drawn a portfolio of these quiet quitters and shows the differing preferences among them, with some desiring quiet spaces while others thrive in lively, creative environments. To address these diverse needs, workspace strategies must embrace flexibility and adaptability to cater to our workforce effectively.
Sustainability Matters
Sustainability has emerged as a critical factor for employees, impacting various aspects of their work experience such as commitment, and the sense of purpose in work. Our Work Experience Tracker reveals that 78% of employees consider environmental sustainability to be personally significant, with 90% expressing the desire for their employers to take action in this area. This sentiment is particularly pronounced among Gen Z and Millennials, although it is increasingly relevant across all generations.
Companies must prioritise developing robust plans to excel in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, implementing changes that create positive impacts for individuals, communities and the environment. These can include practices such as responsible sourcing, reducing waste, and implementing carbon emissions reduction measures. Becoming an advocate and taking proactive steps towards sustainability is crucial to engage employees, foster brand reputation, and drive long-term business growth.
Synergy between people, space and sustainability is core
To successfully navigate the road ahead, we must focus on the interplay between people, space, and sustainability, which is at the core of Sodexo’s Vital Spaces. These intertwined elements are instrumental in driving business performance and shaping the fabric of company culture. We have discussed this in depth in the latest Work Experience Tracker report.
Connecting the dots and looking at tomorrow's workplace and people
I also thoroughly enjoyed the talk by my partner speaker, Anna Lise Kjaer, who shed light on an essential ingredient for critical thinking and future-focused discussions: curiosity. In our quest for progress, curiosity acts as a catalyst, prompting us to ask better questions and explore new possibilities. Now, the question arises: How can we foster a curiosity culture within our organisations? The answer lies in multidimensional thinking. By considering the interconnectedness of the world in the 4P context - people, planet, purpose, and profit - we can unlock valuable insights and achieve sustainable performance.
Tomorrow's future-proof organisations will be those that embrace a 4P bottom line, considering the well-being of people, the planet, purpose, and profit as interconnected and mutually reinforcing elements.
In the pursuit of excellence, leaders must reflect upon their organisational focus and ask themselves how they can cultivate an environment that nurtures individual growth. it's important to recognise that today's workforce seeks more than just success. People aspire to be part of organisations with purpose. By aligning our purpose and actions with positive impact, we can create a workplace that attracts, retains, and inspires talented individuals who want to make a difference.
Curious to know more? Our comprehensive Work Experience Tracker delves deep into these critical facets. I believe you will find the report insightful and useful for future-proof your organisation.
Julie Ennis MBA | CEO Corporate Services UK & Ireland and Country President Ireland at Sodexo
This article was originally published on Julie Ennis's Linkedin profile.
Vital Spaces
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