Agility, technology and regulation are key priorities for chief executives post-pandemic. The world of work is changing rapidly and CEOs need to think about the future of work. The CEOs can initiate the change by understanding the future of work and how to adapt their businesses by using strategies to meet the needs of a new changing workforce.
Leadership in the ever changing workplace
The uncertainty and volatility of the past year has disrupted all of us globally, but perhaps no role has been more affected than that of the CEO. Shaken from its traditional pedestal, the CEO role can no longer rule as a monolith or with the simple mandate of appeasing shareholders. Today, CEOs must answer to a wider range of stakeholders, address issues like the rise of automation and AI and working along with it, remote work which has become a new normal, importance of soft skills to elevate the role of talent around them so they operate as part of a leadership ecosystem.
Embracing remote work
Remote work has become more popular during the pandemic. It can offer a number of benefits for both employees and employers and if you are considering allowing your employees to work remotely, embrace it, even if it feels a little uncomfortable.
As CEO, it’s your job to lead the way in creating a positive culture around remote work. Your goal is to capitalize on the advantages and weaken the effect of the disadvantages and that starts with your own actions. As a CEO you have an opportunity to build a culture that understands the pros and cons of a distributed team. In stressful, uncertain times, keeping everyone communicating freely and on the same page is more vital than ever, especially if you and your employees are working from home.
Upskilling and reskilling employees
The skills needed for many jobs are changing and the interest in upskilling and reskilling employees has clear benefits for any organization: a greater skill availability, ultimately, can lead to enhanced motivation, morale, and productivity, as much as it can improve cost savings. The strategic perks of an upskilled workforce outweigh any skepticism. An astonishing 74% of CEOs are still concerned about a lack of availability of the right skills in their companies, according to PWC’s 23rd Annual Global CEO Survey.
The goal of upskilling staff can be mobilized as either a strategy, a policy, or something more cultural. For managers keen to embed learning and development into their workplace and remain competitive, encouraging the upskilling of teams can seem essential and this can be done through
- Managing priorities
- Application of new skills
- Making HR a part of your goal setting
- Careful management of resources
- Lean into technology
Create a more inclusive workplace
The importance of inclusion in a workplace is being increasingly understood. It can help a business thrive in less time as there is greater productivity from happier employees working together as well as higher staff retention. A focus on inclusion can also make the company a place where great talent wants to move to. Innovation and creativity are increased as employees feel confident in airing ideas, and a culture of listening means these can be more readily considered and acted upon.
“Inclusion fosters an environment where people feel safe, valued and heard,” explains Lauren Tucker, CEO of inclusion management consultancy Do What Matters.
Inclusion requires proactivity from organizations in creating an environment that allows people to thrive as themselves. Diversity is simply difference; it is tangible and factual.
A more inclusive workplace is a more productive workplace CEOs need to create a culture where everyone feels welcome and valued.
Finally
As a CEOs focus on leading with authenticity, humanity, and heart. Also be prepared to lead not only business but also to serve as societal leaders. The most effective CEOs will define and inspire a sense of purpose and direction that unleashes the business’s collective energy and maximizes its impact, both for the business and employees especially in the current scenario where there is a rampant increase in AI tools and automation in workplace. They need to transform their mindset so they can lead their companies through the gray to the next new normal.
The future of work is challenging, however, by embracing remote work, upskilling and reskilling employees, and creating a more inclusive workplace, CEOs can position their businesses for success.
