The Conscious Workplace Report discovered that a majority of employees (31%) and managers (41%) are restricted by technological issues whilst working from home. More worrying still, 78% of managers and 61% of employees stated that they are experiencing process concerns. 

Similarly, the research also highlighted that a high degree of remote working has impacted the culture, resilience, and efficiency of the workplace. Happiness, motivation, and productivity are cited as the biggest challenges for 40% of managers and 30% of employees.

So how can businesses respond to address these issues?

Business leaders need to find a solution to these issues. If they are to achieve future success in a very unsettled market. They also have a responsibility to their employees that help address these challenges.

The solution is to put in place an effective business transformation plan. A top-to-bottom evolution of working practices, processes, technology and culture to address issues and capitalise on new opportunities. This might feel like a daunting process, but the potential benefits are far-reaching. Every business has its underlying issues so an effective business transformation plan can be vital to resolving them. Addressing these issues as part of a collective shift in both culture and working practices is a very effective way of maximising the investment of a transformation project.

The 3 fundamental steps to effective business transformation:

Identifying value

What is it you want to achieve? Like all good projects, it helps if you know what you are trying to achieve before you start. It might be that you only have a vague idea at this early stage. Or, it could be that you have a long list of objectives. What is essential is to gain an understanding of where and how the transformation will add value to your organisation.

An example checklist might look like this 

• Learn what’s working well, and not so well
• Establish what you know, and in what areas you need more information
• Research what’s going on in the market; what are your competitors and admired businesses in other sectors doing?
• Agree on key strengths and weaknesses

Throughout this process, it’s important to find and use data to back up your initial thoughts. Using solid data discovery in the form of ‘assessments’ will ensure you make informed decisions. Working with an experienced transformation partner such as Ricoh will ensure you obtain a complete picture of both your employees and business situation.

Once you have this, you can begin to define a list of challenges, goals, and objectives against a list of desired outcomes that will ultimately lead to an effective business transformation process.

Creating the Value

The next step in your assessment process is to build a business case for each outcome. 

First, create a proof of concept for validation. This means identifying a solution to a specific need that you can easily measure. Carry out this solution as a pilot, collect the data, and review how it went. Ideally, look to measure the ROI and make sure you practice continuous conscious learning throughout. And adapt and change the pilot if required. 

Create a clear plan, share it with your people, and get them on board – because with 66% of remote managers and 50% of employees struggling with processes, it’s important you find a solution that’s right for them.

Once you’ve got sign-off it’s time to start implementing change.

Realising the value

When you’ve identified the requirements for an effective business transformation and created a roadmap for your business, it’s time to realise that value. This involves communication, implementation, and measurement.

Communication: You need to be open with your people and intended plan, make sure they’re on board, and use the results of your pilot to demonstrate the benefits.

Implementation: Carry out the actual steps of your roadmap, working to milestones, continually testing and reviewing.

Measurement: A continual measurement approach will provide you with the insight required to consciously make better business decisions.

Case study for effective business transformation

Fraikin is one of Europe’s largest commercial vehicle leasing providers. The business had the vision to throw off its legacy image and become a smart, modern, digitally-driven industry leader. 

Through a partnership with Ricoh Workplace Services, Fraikin realised that goal and delivered one of its most important transformation projects in ten years. It prompted one major customer to say Fraikin had become a 21st-century business overnight. Read the full case study.

“Fraikin set out to become a modern, more efficient, and digitally savvy organisation. With Ricoh Workplace Services, we’ve delivered one of the most important, positive, and impactful transformations the business has experienced in the last 10 years. Reaction from visitors has been phenomenal. When one of our biggest customers commented about the new office ‘Fraikin has become a 21st Century business overnight’ it captured exactly what we aimed to achieve.”

Henry Horsfall, HR Director, Fraikin

Read our informative eBook to discover more about The Conscious Workplace and understand the behavioural drivers behind the modern, agile workplace.

Alternatively, if you are ready to start your journey towards effective business transformation read our practical guide ‘Implementing a Conscious Workplace’.

Work Together, Anywhere – Helping business succeed in a changed world

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