Читать книгу The Workplace You Need Now - Sanjay Rishi - Страница 12

“My philosophy is that everything starts with a great product.”

Steve Jobs, Co-Founder, Apple Inc.

Consider your favorite products and what you love about them. Is it the style? Maybe they are particularly practical or intuitive. Do they serve their purpose well? Do they provide great value?

They are probably easy to access and increasingly interoperable, or at least compatible, with other products you use. If they are innovative and entertaining, too, you may find it hard to live without them. And, depending on your shopping preferences, you may find they are made by companies committed to environmental sustainability, fair labor practices, and other public benefits.

Your favorite products likely engage you in a personal way by responding to your needs. They probably aren’t custom-built for you, but rather developed in a way that feels personalized or configurable for your needs. Such products don’t dictate when you use them, but instead draw you to them. They often offer the ultimate flexibility in how, when, and why you use them.

Think about your iPhone, your Peloton, your favorite pair of jeans, or even your favorite fancy latteccino made just the way you like it from your local coffee bar. When you feel like changing things up, you can consider additional options like a new mobile app, a different yoga or cardio workout, an of-the-moment accessory, or a passionfruit beverage from your friendly barista.

Now think about your workplace – that is, the one you frequented before the pandemic. Would you characterize it the same way you describe your personal items? Probably not. Yet, believe it or not, it’s actually possible for a workplace to be all of those things – personalized, responsive, beneficial for public good, experiential. In fact, workplaces are going to have to become more like consumer products to meet the needs of workers now. For employers, now is the time to adapt the “product” – the workplace – for a personalized, responsible, and experiential future (see Figure I.1).

We live in a world of seemingly endless options and instant gratification. To stand apart, consumer brands have had to find ways to create emotional connections with their customers, almost instantly. Why should the workplace be any different?

People have more options than ever in where, how, and when they work, including more opportunities to work with companies located around the world, or even to start their own business as a freelancer or gig worker. Organizations must find ways to spur affinity, create community, and engage workers far beyond their daily tasks.

Figure I.1 The Personalized Workplace The personalized workplace is responsive to employee needs and preferences, and will empower talent with a choice of workplaces and spaces.

Like a product, the workplace must be designed, measured, and marketed. It must meet the essential needs of its customers – your workforce – and embody your brand promise and values. It must be continually optimized and proven effective, from both a space and social perspective. And, finally, it must draw in talent and keep them engaged and productive.

This isn’t the workplace of the past, or even of one year ago. A new world of work is emerging. Are you confident you’re creating the workplace you need now?