COVID-19 made businesses realize that agility is crucial to survive and thrive in a challenging economic climate. As pandemic restrictions slowly begin to ease, employers need to adapt to the “new normal” to increase efficiency and optimize productivity. I have compiled some tips to help you reimagine your organization in a post-pandemic world.
Rethink Your Operating Model
Each generation has a different take on an organization’s working structure. Almost 70% of millennials and 64% of Gen Z employees feel that working remotely reduces their stress levels. As an employer, consider letting your employees choose their own working preferences to achieve organizational continuity and increase efficiency.
Post-pandemic, many businesses plan to implement a hybrid model for work that combines both in-office and remote working. Explore your options, interact with your team, and identify an operating model that works for you.
Redefine Strategies to Align with New Age Consumers
With Gen Z consumers enjoying a purchasing power of $50 billion in Canada and $143 billion in the US, businesses need to redefine their strategies in 2021 and beyond to attract this demographic. This tech-savvy generation values individuality, inclusion, activism, and brand values over price. Align your strategies with their priorities and spending behaviour to engage with this consumer demographic.
Unlock the Power of the Multi-Generational Workforce
The multi-generational workforce is key to innovation and can help redefine your business strategies in a post-pandemic world. Engage with your diverse workforce to understand the mindset of different generations of consumers. In a multi-generational workforce, employees share their knowledge and have the opportunity to help each other overcome challenges. For instance, Gen Zers can help older generations adapt to emerging technologies, while the latter can help the former enhance their soft skills.
Refine Your Leadership Style
To conquer challenges in a post-pandemic world, employers need to refine their leadership style and become authentic leaders. The new age workforce values leaders who are emotionally intelligent, empathetic and operate with an effective and transparent communication method.
A people-oriented leadership approach strengthens trust and inspires millennial and Gen Z employees to take ownership of their work. These generations understand that no one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes, and what is most important is to learn from them. As a leader, if you make a mistake (and we all do), own it, reflect on it to learn and grow, not only as a person but as a leader and mentor for your team.
Growing or rebuilding your business after COVID-19 may seem daunting, but we know recovery is possible. Connect with your team, brainstorm ideas, and leverage agile innovations to thrive and succeed. Reach out to me if you would like to learn more about leveraging for success in a post-pandemic world.
