NWoW: the New Way of Working
The New Way of Working refers to the evolution in the organisation to more collaboration and flexibility. Naturally this creates a number of challenges, especially for HR and for management. NWoW is also very valuable when it comes to attracting and retaining talent. And finally, it also boosts organisational growth. An overview of the best practices.
Remote working, satellite offices, flexible working hours... All the above evolutions are related to the New Way of Working. Often this also means 'improving quality of life’ or ‘reducing the organisation’s ecological footprint’. In the field, NWoW mainly requires a change in the company’s culture and sound management practices. Below is a top 5 of best practices, drawn up by specialists with almost two decades of experience.
1. Remember that flexibility is a win-win situation
Studies have indicated that more flexibility for employees is a win-win situation for many companies. Their employees are much happier and more productive, whereas the operational expenditure of these companies decreases. Just think of the expenses related to facilities and company premises.
2. Train your teams and managers to work virtually
Regardless of their job within the company employees will not become connected or mobile without some supervision. Companies that successfully introduced the NWoW started by developing an internal policy, after which they organised training programmes. At American Express, a multidisciplinary team was tasked with providing coaching, for example. On the agenda: training sessions about new technology, tips & tricks to become a mobile employee or manage a virtual team in a mobile work environment.
3. Monitor
This helps avoid abuses as a result of more autonomy and, where applicable, to adjust expectations. Once a year, American Express conducts a survey in each of its departments to determine everyone’s needs and priorities and ensure that all the employees are properly informed about their tasks.
4. Strengthening internal communication
Studies have shown that more than half of all employees in some companies have no idea that the company has an internal NWoW policy.
5. Measure the results
Flexibility is an important factor when attracting and retaining talent, as is becoming more apparent every day. According to certain studies, applicants rank flexibility in second place, after their pay. Other studies seem to indicate that there is less employee turnover in companies that introduced NWoW.
These are all good practices that enable companies to implement change management while becoming more competitive. But they are also a good way to tackle the organisational, economic, technological and social challenges of the business community.