As remote and hybrid work continues to be the new norm, leaders must equip their teams with effective tools and processes to ensure success.
The digital transformation in the workforce demands agile and resilient employees that can work efficiently and flexibly. But what does empowerment really mean in the workplace? How can leaders make sure their teams have what they need to succeed? To answer these questions, Microsoft surveyed 2,700 employees and 1,800 business decision makers in the US, UK, and Japan. The survey spanned a range of job functions and industries, and included both remote and hybrid employees.
The survey findings point to four key principles that can guide business leaders in 2023:
Principle #1:
Empower people to have more say when it comes to new technology initiatives
One of the most important ways leaders can empower their teams is by giving them a voice in technology decisions. According to the survey, only 54% of employees said they are involved in decisions around the technology they use at work. By involving employees in these decisions, leaders can help ensure that the tools and processes they adopt are the ones that will have the greatest impact on productivity and engagement.
Principle #2:
Use collaborative apps to stay connected and share information in the flow of work
Collaboration is more important than ever in a remote or hybrid work environment, and the right tools can make all the difference. The survey found that 86% of employees say it's important to have a single, centralised platform or portal where teams can collaborate in multiple ways. By using collaborative apps like Microsoft Teams, leaders can make it easier for employees to stay connected and share information in real time, no matter where they're working from. This solution would not only break down silos between people but also make it easier to access, share, and work together on data across the organisation.
Principle #3:
Accelerate innovation by equipping anyone in the organisation with low-code tools
Low-code and no-code tools are becoming increasingly popular as a way to enable anyone to build custom applications and automate workflows without needing to know how to code. The survey found that more than 3 out of 4 respondents (77%) wish they had more access to low-code or no-code tools or platforms to build digital solutions that help them achieve their goals. By making these tools available to everyone in the organisation, leaders can help unlock innovation and creativity at all levels.
Principle #4:
Help people feel more fulfilled and engaged by implementing AI and automating busywork
One of the biggest challenges of remote and hybrid work is the feeling of disconnection and isolation that many employees experience. By implementing AI and automating busywork, leaders can help free up more time for employees to focus on the work that matters most. The survey found that 85% of employees want simpler ways to automate daily tasks so they can focus on the work that matters.
By following the four principles outlined above, leaders can empower their teams to be more productive, engaged, and fulfilled, no matter where they're working from. The key is to focus on processes and tools that reduce friction, unlock innovation and creativity, and reduce busywork to help every individual focus on the work that matters most.
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