Workplace Strategy - Adapt or Fade !

Constant innovation becomes essential to an organization’s sustenance in today’s exceedingly competitive business environment.  We are seeing the rise of a new kind of employee base, people who demand creativity and workplace sophistication, which will incentivize them to stay and increasing the employee retention ratio. It has been projected that there will be a shortfall of skilled workers in the coming years and employers need to pay attention to the changing trends to keep up with their share of skilled workers.

Senior management teams need to understand the dynamics in play to create a competitive advantage by aligning their strategic intent with their policies that would initiate proper tools, resources and environments they provide to their employees. Increased knowledge sharing leads to enhanced productivity, improved quality, and accelerated innovation.

A workplace strategy is a clear testimonial of how the organization will support the work environment for their employees.

Creating a comprehensive workplace strategy is a fundamental undertaking. It is essential that the workplace strategy is created based on the organization’s current / future goals and employee demographics.

One of the more significant consideration while creating the workplace strategy is to ensure that there is a focus on employee engagement, wellness and retention. To help include these intentions we find that the new work spaces tend to have more collaboration and meeting areas, latest technology that enables your employees to be effectively connected and productive. Wellness areas are installed to help create a belonging and ‘care’ factor.

Simple re-designs within your workplace could bring in tremendous motivation and refresh their cultural impact of your organization.

Some of key questions to ask when thinking of creating your workplace strategy are for example - is your business ready for change? Is there an employee engagement challenge? Are you unable to communicate effectively within the changing demographic? and do you have a competitive edge in your industry? Answers to such questions can be achieved by simply creating a SWOT and GAP analysis of your current workplace and future organizational goals.

Let’s not ignore the importance of keeping up with the changing business environment regardless the size of your organization. Adapt or Fade is the commandant that will keep you ahead in the game.

Why Network?

“Networking is not collecting contacts! Networking is about planting relations.” 

What happens if I Google you? First impressions count – even online! Networking starts instantaneously beginning with an online search of your profile, thus making it very important to ensure you have the appropriate professional information with a professional picture. People will search you before or after you meet them so why not ensure that your information is a true representative of who you are.

Reasons why Networking does  not always come easy to all. Sometimes due the fear of your environment or the hesitation to walk into a room full of strangers, with different personalities, entering an unfamiliar territory or simply the fear of getting started.

Here are two helpful hints that may help you overcome that initial hesitation or intimidation of Networking with ease.

1. Develop your personal or business ‘elevator speech’

2. Practice with friends who can provide helpful feedback

Most importantly take one step at a time ! Always develop a networking plan figure out who, when, where  and how. Next remember to work the plan,  follow-up with every lead in a timely manner, keep a record of conversations and meetings and develop a contact follow-up schedule and don't forget to THANK those who help you, this is the start of building your relationship that will grow further into expanding your network outreach.

Always be genuine and authentic, your authentic will go a long way in building a trusting and credible list of contacts. Always carry your business cards! there is no excuse to not have your information handy especially when you are in a networking environment. Do not fear approaching senior executives always maintain a polite and poise demeanor it will take you a long way when establishing contact  and lasting impressions. Do not take no personally and always respect time. Networking is all about timing. Become a resource for people and you will see the rise in your acknowledgement.