To enlighten our discussion on the idea of Fluid Workplace, we are joined by an esteemed panel of tech thinkers from across the world.Our agenda for today is to discuss how to utilize technology to create a “fluid workplace” for employees home bound by COVID-19. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #STinsights. Visit https://t.co/avAJpV9gQ6 for more such discussions. #OneHCL pic.twitter.com/hgtzibje8K
— CIO Straight Talk (@CIOStraightTalk) April 22, 2020
We kick things off by discussing the myriad of ways technology holds some answers.We have an amazing panel with us today. We’ll be introducing them in the upcoming tweets. #STinsights. Visit https://t.co/avAJpV9gQ6 for more such discussions. #tweetchat #OneHCL pic.twitter.com/H5YHyuNWA7
— CIO Straight Talk (@CIOStraightTalk) April 22, 2020
Businesses have to proactively think digital and plan for disruptions to business continuity.We are going live with the #Tweetchat. Here's the 1st question. #STinsights #OneHCL pic.twitter.com/0VSLjpheFt
— CIO Straight Talk (@CIOStraightTalk) April 22, 2020
Three goals were a priority early on: Maintaining business continuity, Assessing and adjusting IT's priorities, Ensuring computer security. #STinsights #OneHCL @cioec #CIOEC
— Tim Scannell (@tjscan123) April 22, 2020
The #Remotework enablement process varies drastically across organizations depending on the current state of maturity of Infrastructure, Solutions and the #WorkCulture. @CIOStraightTalk #Stinsights
— Kalyan Kumar (KK) (@kklive) April 22, 2020
#STinsights It is a dual track. Customers need to invest infra and the tech. C19 was proof that many customers didn't have all their employees on laptops and it was too late to order laptops. It is a #digitalfirst mindset, a #digitialworkplace that customers need to invest in.
— Suresh Sambandam (@sureshsambandam) April 22, 2020
IT'sall about utilizing mobile to transfer that capability to remote workers...fast! Refocusing IT priorities! #STinsights #OneHCL @cioec #CIOEC
— Tim Scannell (@tjscan123) April 22, 2020
The tech is out there - and just needs to be embraced:
— Ashwin Venkatesan (@AshVenkatesan) April 22, 2020
1)Cloud-based collaboration
2)Increased VDI
3)Shift-left techniques – self-service, chatbots, social collaboration forums
4)Expanded VPN infrastructure
5)End user monitoring analytics#STinsights #OneHCL
Often, organisations resort to obvious tools without having enough clarity on the problems they face, it's advised to stress test and understand use cases that need to be served then adopt appropriate technology. #STinsigths #OneHCL #digitaltransformation
— Steffi Sekar (@Steffiseka) April 22, 2020
A1:
— Moin Shaikh #YouthvsCOVID #TeensInAI (@moingshaikh) April 22, 2020
Cloud is the key.
Organizations can use tools powered by Cloud to transit from office-based to home-based work culture.
Be it video-conf., collaboration, or remote support tools, Cloud offers an array of solutions for employees working from home.#STInsights #OneHCL
If your organization uses @Office365 and haven’t made full use of @MicrosoftTeams, now is the time. It's included with your subscription, so there's nothing to lose in exploring it. https://t.co/SqSlgreR84 @CIOStraightTalk #Stinsights #OneHCL
— JeffreySchwartz (@JeffreySchwartz) April 22, 2020
Leveraging tech like #VDI #daas (desktops as a service), #VPN (with its own problems) and most importantly #teamCollaboration solutions, start with determining best technologies based on user personas and “day-in-the-life-of” end users #STinsights
— Mrinal Rai (@MrinRai) April 22, 2020
Is that true, though? It really starts from "whats the task?" Companies that can go HTTPS to web apps can bypass all of this complication. Use your task and say "how do I make it possible to do this anywhere safely?" for #remotework #STinsights
— Wayne Anderson (@DigitalSecArch) April 22, 2020
True, focusing on user work profile can help make that decision. Technology is available and culture ufortunatel have to be quickly adapted, whats important is helping understand users' immediate work needs and determining best tech to suite, of-course security is prime concern
— Mrinal Rai (@MrinRai) April 22, 2020
#Stinsights #OneHCL Best case is most of the technology used in the office migrates to home office use. Increased use of #video but watch out for #videofatigue. Next is collaboration tools- try and find the best tech to mirror the office
— Amy Freshman (@apfreshman) April 22, 2020
Amy, can you speak more about #videofatigue?
— Paul Hemp (@paul_hemp) April 22, 2020
— Amy Freshman (@apfreshman) April 22, 2020However, making these changes is not always an easy process.
Organizations that possess a digital culture and adaptable processes are more likely to thrive.Join in the conversation using #STinsights #OneHCL #Tweetchat. And our second question is: pic.twitter.com/iLUQ6Me7aK
— CIO Straight Talk (@CIOStraightTalk) April 22, 2020
Impromptu plans and strategies are not sustainable enough, in that case, the transition might and can take time but must be sustainable enough. #STinsights
— Steffi Sekar (@Steffiseka) April 22, 2020
And workplace fluidity is not just about internal users. But the broader #connected #ecosystem and #stakeholders#STinsights pic.twitter.com/agK7Wo18ok
— Ashwin Venkatesan (@AshVenkatesan) April 22, 2020
Fluid transformation is gonna be hard to achieve if an organisation hasn't ever thought of #digitalfirst workstyle.
— Steffi Sekar (@Steffiseka) April 22, 2020
A2: Many org. I have worked with were able to quickly transit to WFH culture because they have flexible & fluid work policies right from the start.
— Moin Shaikh #YouthvsCOVID #TeensInAI (@moingshaikh) April 22, 2020
Many startups also have BYOD - Bring Your Own Device policy in place which has contributed to their success enormously.#STinsights
No business is completely immune to the effects of the current #pandemic. Being Adaptive, Connected and Scalable are the key elements of a #FluidWorkplace. @CIOStraightTalk #Stinsights
— Kalyan Kumar (KK) (@kklive) April 22, 2020
Agreed @kklive. In simple terms, #COVID19 has helped solidify the business case for digital workplace. And has proved the digital detractors wrong. #STinsights
— Ashwin Venkatesan (@AshVenkatesan) April 22, 2020
Enterprises where the culture of #collaboration is already widespread even without too much dependency on technology, will find it easier to work on new tools like #microsoftteams #slack. Others may struggle initially. #STinsights #OneHCL
— Mrinal Rai (@MrinRai) April 22, 2020
True. Some are changing their cultures real fast, others are struggling with the notion. @CIOStraightTalk #Stinsights #OneHCL
— JeffreySchwartz (@JeffreySchwartz) April 22, 2020
#Stinsights #OneHCL Yes! Many inspiring examples of companies making the transition -large to small businesses. Today it is about #businesscontinuity. My daughter wants to paint her room. I called, paid by phone, and picked it up off of their back steps. Find your #newwaytowork
— Amy Freshman (@apfreshman) April 22, 2020
Yes! Some companies I talked to made the transition in 24 hours since they had a majority of remote workers. Others 0% made the jump in a week. Technology was not the hurdle - even when people requested printers, second screens, etc. #STinsights #OneHCL @cioec #CIOEC
— Tim Scannell (@tjscan123) April 22, 2020
Important to work closely with procurement and HR teams as you establish plans for the next several months with respect to staffing levels, prioritizing projects, and "re-baselining" activities. #STinsights #OneHCL @cioec #CIOEC
— Tim Scannell (@tjscan123) April 22, 2020
Getting real "fluid" in all aspects is difficult immediately. Right now, the priority largely is AAA (anytime, anywhere, any device) environment. Connecting that with security is a growing concern and about empathy and change is a future goal #STinsights
— Mrinal Rai (@MrinRai) April 22, 2020
#secutiry is crucial and I feel a lot of us should be mindful of possible impacts of the security breaches and pre-work on them to keep all systems tact.
— Steffi Sekar (@Steffiseka) April 22, 2020
Many firms et up a separate team to think through the operational systems, capabilities, and
— Tim Scannell (@tjscan123) April 22, 2020
requirements that need to be considered in the case of a longer-term situation. #STinsights #OneHCL @cioec #CIOEC
.@Timothy_Hughes
— Paul Hemp (@paul_hemp) April 22, 2020
.@sureshsambandam
.@dhinchcliffe
.@AshVenkatesan
.@kklive
.@tjscan123
.@JeffreySchwartz
.@AmyMorinLCSW
.@MrinRai
.@apfreshman
Returning to Q2, can anyone offer one SPECIFIC thing a company has done to ease the transition -- a tip organizations could adopt now?
The best practices of remote working are key to ensuring success.I think continuous communication with employees is key. Thats the most important step. Having easy to access training to help them transition to a new collaboration tool or increase its usage is an example of best practice.
— Mrinal Rai (@MrinRai) April 22, 2020
Communication, flexibility, and empathy are key drivers to ensuring smooth operations.Time for our third question for the forum. Keep the questions coming! Join the conversation using #STinsights #tweetchat #OneHCL pic.twitter.com/QQgyJjFnNJ
— CIO Straight Talk (@CIOStraightTalk) April 22, 2020
A3:
— Moin Shaikh #YouthvsCOVID #TeensInAI (@moingshaikh) April 22, 2020
- Keep clarity in communication.
- Set daily/weekly goals clearly.
- Practice empathy and trust.
- Keep your team engaged, both on work and on personal sides.#STinsights #OneHCL
A3 (contd.):
— Moin Shaikh #YouthvsCOVID #TeensInAI (@moingshaikh) April 22, 2020
Most importantly, build a personal, one-to-one relationship with each of your team members. This is the time your team needs your empathetic leadership the most. #STinsights #OneHCL
Until this time, we must have heard a lot about organisations showing empathy, along with that employees must show maximum competency and keep communication as key. #CIOStraightTalk #STinsights
— Steffi Sekar (@Steffiseka) April 22, 2020
Managers must work on how to be a motivating factor for their team members. It's the time when people need emotional support and need appreciation often. @CIOStraightTalk #STinsights
— Steffi Sekar (@Steffiseka) April 22, 2020
Also push yourself to maintain high energy levels. Mood and demeanour are contagious. More so when remotely communicating.#STinsights
— Ashwin Venkatesan (@AshVenkatesan) April 22, 2020
Also push yourself to maintain high energy levels. Mood and demeanour are contagious. More so when remotely communicating.#STinsights
— Ashwin Venkatesan (@AshVenkatesan) April 22, 2020
#Stinsights #OneHCL #communication is A number 1! Set joint expectations -when will you talk, how often, what mode. 1:1 and with the team. Do what you can to encourage your team members to be #connected Not just with you but the team, network, resource groups and beyond
— Amy Freshman (@apfreshman) April 22, 2020
Understanding that your team is working at a place with their loved ones is important, so informality within formal conversations should be accepted like children, pets being visible in #videoconferencing #STinsights #oneHCL
— Mrinal Rai (@MrinRai) April 22, 2020
be inclusive of all, now
— Steffi Sekar (@Steffiseka) April 22, 2020
Perhaps, the shift to remote working can add untapped value to how business operates.Communication is key | Use videos, whiteboards, huddlerooms to interact | Practise trust and empathy | Have informal “coffee/drinks” sessions | Crack jokes | Continue leading by example #STinsights
— Ashwin Venkatesan (@AshVenkatesan) April 22, 2020
Breaking away from entrenched old habits is a good start, but the benefits can be legion only if we follow through in this new paradigm.A big shoutout to everyone on our panel. Here’s our fourth question. Join the conversation using #STinsights #tweetchat #OneHCL pic.twitter.com/6Qs25R0YUU
— CIO Straight Talk (@CIOStraightTalk) April 22, 2020
Data analytics also has a new role. Visualization tools can help communicate, enabling senior executives to receive information in ways they can see and explain. This helps in being "a speaker of truth" in times of frequent misinformation. #STinsights #OneHCL @cioec #cioec
— Tim Scannell (@tjscan123) April 22, 2020
Yes. It is a good time to get away from old habit and crutches, like the need to print out everything. Also, this new norm makes everyone realize new norm meetings can be more effective and democratic, leveling the playing field among workers. #STinsights #OneHCL @cioec #CIOEC
— Tim Scannell (@tjscan123) April 22, 2020
From an organization standpoint
— Ashwin Venkatesan (@AshVenkatesan) April 22, 2020
- Potentially access to wider pool of talent
- Generally better employee morale and discipline
- More time and space for employees to create and innovate#STinsights
#STinsights while many were worried about business going down, our enquiries and trial signups went UP by 20% for @kissflow #DigitalWorkplace.
— Suresh Sambandam (@sureshsambandam) April 22, 2020
#STinsights we were thinking of 30% or so loss in productivity by to our pleasant surprise got at 20% increase in productivity at @kissflow #DigitalWorkplace
— Suresh Sambandam (@sureshsambandam) April 22, 2020
ALso working remotely using #digital tools can help employees sharpen their #digitaldexterity which may be used as a differentiating factor for employee performance. #STinsights #OneHCL
— Mrinal Rai (@MrinRai) April 22, 2020
Remote working requires a lot of commitment and workstyle changes. While employees have the benefit of lesser travel, more time to be productive, ease when needed @CIOStraightTalk #STinsights
— Steffi Sekar (@Steffiseka) April 22, 2020
#STinsights Covid19 has demystified many incorrect assumptions about #remotework / #wfh .
— Suresh Sambandam (@sureshsambandam) April 22, 2020
#STinsights we have given a break for mother earth to recover. That is the first and the biggest silver lining.
— Suresh Sambandam (@sureshsambandam) April 22, 2020
A4: Employees enjoy a better work-life balance, while organizations have got some reduction in their overhead.
— Moin Shaikh #YouthvsCOVID #TeensInAI (@moingshaikh) April 22, 2020
Moreover, since the time to commute is eliminated, remote work has also enabled faster turn around for employees in mission-critical projects. #STinsights #OneHCL
Personally, I have been better able to turn up and be available for clients who are in diff. time zones than I am.
— Moin Shaikh #YouthvsCOVID #TeensInAI (@moingshaikh) April 22, 2020
All I need is to turn on my system and get on with the clients in no time. It has also made me more productive and positive towards my work.#STinsights #OneHCL
For starters...it is definitely easier to get hold of stakeholders than when we were pursuing them for F2F meetings :)#STinsights
— Ashwin Venkatesan (@AshVenkatesan) April 22, 2020
#STinsights Covid19 has forced us to reinvent our process in a matter of years which would have taken years.
— Suresh Sambandam (@sureshsambandam) April 22, 2020
I think we also see closer association of employees with their firms. When employees understand their company going extra mile to help them be productive, empathetic in #remoteworking challenging environment they may want to stick, may affect attrition in short term #STinsights
— Mrinal Rai (@MrinRai) April 22, 2020
Interestingly more concerted efforts are being made to catch up, stay in touch, and casually check in. I guess people are taken for granted when they are physically around.#STinsights
— Ashwin Venkatesan (@AshVenkatesan) April 22, 2020
How can we then manage to facilitate highly complex or emotionally charged conversations when people aren't face to face? #STinsights #OneHCL
— Siddharth Andani (@siddharthandani) April 22, 2020
I think we'll see video used more for important meetings and conversations. @CIOStraightTalk #Stinsights #OneHCL
— JeffreySchwartz (@JeffreySchwartz) April 22, 2020
#Stinsights #OneHCL Org- we CAN be productive in a #remoteworkenvironment Individual- spending more time with their families, reconnecting (albeit virtually) with loved ones. Fitness is increasing for many-physical and mental wins, more important than ever today #MoveMoreAtHome
— Amy Freshman (@apfreshman) April 22, 2020
this morning I led our team in a #virtualworkout over 100 team members joined in on video #MoveMoreAtHome 🏋️♀️ pic.twitter.com/E846eIIeEY
— Amy Freshman (@apfreshman) April 22, 2020
And finally, we have to wonder what lies ahead in the aftermath.One CEO told me the company might continue to work remotely and use the money that went toward real estate to add more benefits--like paying for childcare. Another CEO said he's interacting more with employees via zoom than ever before.
— Amy Morin, LCSW (@AmyMorinLCSW) April 22, 2020
Enterprises can’t afford to be surprised again and continuous adaptation is the only way to survive.Here’s our final formal question to the panel—but keep shooting YOUR questions, using #STinsights #OneHCL pic.twitter.com/D0QRT3T1rb
— CIO Straight Talk (@CIOStraightTalk) April 22, 2020
Not need, but enterprises would surely like to sustain some benefits reaped out of this #newnormal and if its giving same or enhanced productivity, with cost advantages, it may be adopted at required scale #STinsights #OneHCL
— Mrinal Rai (@MrinRai) April 22, 2020
According to a @Gartner_inc survey earlier this month, 74% of CFOs are will shift some employees to work at home permanently. https://t.co/5MkUzfInWY @CIOStraightTalk #Stinsights #OneHCL
— JeffreySchwartz (@JeffreySchwartz) April 22, 2020
And there will be some clear benefits for many organizations – increased productivity, access to wider talent pool, lower real estate overheads – which definitely will help build a solid business case for more remote working. #STinsights
— Ashwin Venkatesan (@AshVenkatesan) April 22, 2020
If organisations take away good lessons from this situation then "remote-working" is here to remain. It requires commitement, better workstructure, objective-driven workstyle, operational do's and dont's, etc. @CIOStraightTalk #STinsights
— Steffi Sekar (@Steffiseka) April 22, 2020
A5: #WFH is indeed the #futureofwork.
— Moin Shaikh #YouthvsCOVID #TeensInAI (@moingshaikh) April 22, 2020
However, we should also not forget the importance of face-to-face, physical interactions.
I see a hybrid work model made up of some remote and some office-based work culture thriving in future: https://t.co/x4Y03CVZ4u#STinsights #OneHCL
#STinsights not sure about others. I can talk about @kissflow . we are seriously considering #remotework for some teams as a permanent solution if not for the whole company. Saves money, saves planet, saves time. What more do you want?
— Suresh Sambandam (@sureshsambandam) April 22, 2020
Think of the future we may be headed to.., rise of more #gigworkers employees working with multiple organizations with varying digital skill sets leveraging leading #teamcollaboration and productivity apps #STinsights #OneHCL
— Mrinal Rai (@MrinRai) April 22, 2020
Enterprises will definitely prepare for “Zero Repeat” – i.e., prepare for 100% remote scalability to guard against any similar systemic shock in future.
— Ashwin Venkatesan (@AshVenkatesan) April 22, 2020
Beyond this, more than need, enterprises will be encouraged by benefits of remote working and will act on it.#STinsights
#STinsights if you think about #BlackSwan events like this, the only lesson is we can't plan for it. 😄
— Suresh Sambandam (@sureshsambandam) April 22, 2020
True, but now at least COVID-19 is not longer unprecedented. We have learned there are some things that can be done quickly and other things that must be planned going forward. The 'new normal' will be more normal as we go forward. #STinsights #OneHCL @cioec #CIOEC
— Tim Scannell (@tjscan123) April 22, 2020
#Stinsights #OneHCL Theme I am hearing from organizations: #norush back to the office. Phased, programmed, waves are all words being used. Many will continue to #WFH, some FT others PT. From my seat, the conversation for the future is #flexibleworkarrangements & less about #WFH
— Amy Freshman (@apfreshman) April 22, 2020
Are there any advantages to the #flexibleworkarrangements framework in the midst of the pandemic fear coming in the next 8-10 months? How would this pan out? #STinsights #OneHCL
— Siddharth Andani (@siddharthandani) April 22, 2020
With that, we end another scintillating Straight talk Tweet Chat. We thank our panelists and wish all of you the best of health.#flexibleworking means just that -flexible. #WFH pt/ft, flex hours, flex schedules, flex location. IMO it is a broader conversation beyond just #remotework
— Amy Freshman (@apfreshman) April 22, 2020
A big thank you to our Power Panel for their #STinsights and those who joined us for this exclusive discussion on our #tweetchat #OneHCL pic.twitter.com/EdBl6sJM9Z
— CIO Straight Talk (@CIOStraightTalk) April 22, 2020
Thanks for such an insightful session. Stay safe. Enjoyed @CIOStraightTalk #Stinsights
— Kalyan Kumar (KK) (@kklive) April 22, 2020
Thank you for having me, great session! #STinsights #OneHCL
— Mrinal Rai (@MrinRai) April 22, 2020
Appreciate the chat opportunity! Thank you and be well everyone!
— Amy Freshman (@apfreshman) April 22, 2020
A big round of applause for our power panel for sharing their #STinsights today. Let's all do our part during COVID-19, Staying Home, and Staying Safe. #STinsights #OneHCL
— CIO Straight Talk (@CIOStraightTalk) April 22, 2020
We’ll close the #Tweetchat with an article by Akshay Sharma, Senior Director, IT-Web Technologies, @westerndigital, on why you need to communicate more with the people working remotely. Read here: https://t.co/NMYfkXIDzd #STinsights #Tweetchat #OneHCL
— CIO Straight Talk (@CIOStraightTalk) April 22, 2020