The COVID-19 Pandemic has impacted
many businesses across the world and at the same time it has drastically changed
the way in which people work These swift changes that are bought about are
unsettling, but at the same time they also present some valuable opportunity for
the organizations. We have been, and continue to be, operating in a VUCA environment: volatile, unstable, complex
and ambiguous.
So, what can we learn
from changes organizations have already experienced, and where do we
want to end up?
With many businesses running out of cash reserves and likely closing
their operations, we can clearly see how important a foundation for an organization
is. The companies who effectively manage this disruption will be
well-positioned not only to maintain business operations throughout the
pandemic, but better prepared for future crises, too.
The term organization design & structure are interrelated but are
often used interchangeably. From an organizational point of view, the
foundation is the ‘Organizational Structure’ which demonstrates
different roles, hierarchy levels and terms, and conditions in an organization.
The term “Organization design” is broader than organizational structure,
even though an overall organization design would be incomplete without the
elements of a structure as defined above. Organization designs are typically
deeper in scope and provide more detail than structures.
THE BIG SHIFT:
Some organizations have ensured the workplace in terms of preparedness
with productivity tools and have supported employees' needs when working
remotely. Most prominently, two parameters have played a significant
role in shaping the organizational structures in place
today. Firstly, the rise of digital technology as digitalization
has been a powerful influence on how we work. And
secondly, the free movement of people and ideas. Due
to both these parameters, the playing field became more equal. These
have also successfully moved companies towards a leaner, more agile, and
operationally effective way of working so organizations can thrive in VUCA
environments.
According to the article by McKinsey & Company, the Post-Pandemic organizations will take shape along three dimensions
Accordingly, I’ve analyzed the following parameters that the organizations
have taken care to ensure employees have the tools and support they need to be
productive, effective, and connected while working remotely.
1. Build the right infrastructure for
the virtual workplace:
This was the Herculean effort
undertaken by most of the successful organizations, to ensure each employee has
the basic technology to be effective in that virtual environment: Laptop/Desktop,
internet connectivity, a VPN, file-sharing systems, essential software’s
at home. Along with this basic facility, organizations have also taken care to provide
access to the right collaboration and communication tools to work together
virtually.
2. Prioritize health and wellness
above all else:
With the growing cases of coronavirus
patients, the top priority of every organization in this time of crisis has
been on protecting the health of its employees and other
stakeholders. Various organizations are demonstrating their commitment to
slowing the spread of the virus by closing facilities, and deploying a remote
working plan.
3. Combat productivity with virtual
cultural initiatives:
Many organizations are following
virtual team building activities to enhance culture. Virtual team building
is the ongoing process of bringing remote teams together. It helps the teams working
in an organization to achieve deeper bonds by creating a collaborative environment
that’s similar to an in-office setting. Many organizations are practicing
a virtual fun session with Virtual board games or an icebreaker activity
such as virtual karaoke.
4. Explore alternative work sites
beyond home and the office:
Demand for co-working space and
shared offices are on the rise as more businesses than ever look to this flexible way of working to reduce costs, expand into new markets and increase
agility.
5. Having clear communication as an essential tool to provide transparency during these fast-changing times.
Communication serves as a
foundation for planning. Organizations have established protocols and
guidelines to communicate information to employees and business partners on the
infectious disease outbreak response plans.
Reflecting on these insights as well as the various organizational and
economic models, we learn that the pandemic has further fastened the plans for
organizations which seemed a far distant dream and businesses are trying to
make the best of the current pandemic situation.
References:
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