As the working world undergoes a period of digital transformation and we move further towards automation, it’s not uncommon to turn our gaze from the human side of business. But, as we refine our business process management and seek to improve efficiency, it’s important to consider our employees and ensure balance across operations – here are a few strategies to help.
Adaptive Technology
Technological innovation may reduce the reliance on human interaction during this digital transformation, but it can also improve our working lives in unexpected ways. The right programs will boost efficiency, raise productivity, and aid in the decision-making process, however, finding these requires some research. To start with, when choosing software for your organization, make sure to read reviews and consider how they might affect the methodology (and workload) of the individuals who will be using them.
Flexible Schedules
One of the most effective ways to accommodate your employees is to give them more control over their working timetables. Flexible schedules result in increased output whilst giving your team the ability to check out on their own accord if things get too stressful. If you’re unsure about remote working, it’s often a good idea to introduce this slowly, starting with a couple of days during the week. You can also invest in some advanced communications apps, which will allow everyone to collaborate more easily.
Reviews & Feedback
To improve transparency and ensure that everyone on your team is able to have their say, regular manager/team meetings are encouraged. You can use one-on-one sessions to assess performance and gather valuable feedback that may help inform company culture down the line or set up a ticket system so people can speak up anonymously. Remember, these meetings are not just an opportunity to guide your team towards objectives, the employees themselves should be given a chance to review their own treatment.
Social Activities
Every now and again, we all need time to step away from the work week and enjoy ourselves. Planning social activities for your team is a great way to counterbalance the mechanical elements of their working lives and give everyone the opportunity to get to know each other more informally. If you’re short of ideas, try to keep things simple by scheduling company dinners, bake-offs, sports days, and other group-based activities.
Business Process Management
One of the best ways to assist your employees is via Business Process Management. By automating and optimizing workflows, your team will be able to focus on more demanding tasks. You can use BPM to regularly monitor the effectiveness of your process and act on new information, refining your company’s methodology, improving efficiency, reducing errors, and increasing profits.
Mental Health Awareness
Showing an awareness of and commitment to mental health during this digital transformation can go a long way towards improving team morale and unity. Many of us struggle with anxiety, depression, or simple non-work-related stress/burnout. You can help to mitigate these issues with a company therapist, new company policies, and/or mental health leave. If you can’t afford these options, it’s important to at least openly acknowledge mental health and introduce a mental health-positive vocabulary into the company lexicon.
Digital technology is essential to most company operations, and whilst the boosts to efficiency are self-evident, the effects on human wellbeing are not. For this reason, it’s best to take a proactive stance and consider the implications of how each new software or upgrade can affect your team.
Article by:
Cherie McLaughlin
Let’s CEO provides breaking start-up news, freelancing tips, digital marketing strategies, CEO interviews, business owners, and so much more! Learn more about our work at: www.letsceo.com
