POST-DIGITAL CULTURE SHOCK

COMPANIES AROUND THE WORLD ARE FOCUSING ON DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION, BUT MANY ARE OVERLOOKING THE CULTURE CHANGE NECESSARY FOR SUCCESS

- MICHAEL BILTZ, NATE BOAZ, EVA SAGE-GAVIN AND NICHOLAS WHITTALL

As the post-digital era begins, new technologies are defining workplace experiences across industries. Companies around the world are focusing on digital transformation to the sum of $1.2 trillion globally, but many are overlooking the culture change necessary for success. While leaders acknowledge these technologies benefit their bottom line, more importantly, they recognise these gains are only sustainable if their organisation’s culture adapts and embraces new ways of working. Organisations are moving beyond the transactional 20th-century model of employment to a post-digital one where their workers move from the traditional definition of “employees” to a team of cocreators who are partners in purpose.

Leading companies are finding the enlightened sweet spot where what’s good for the post-digital business is deliberately designed to be good for their workforce. In the process, they are deliberately addressing the new worker needs digital brings, as well as the traditional needs it changes.

Crafting a culture that fits the era, C-suites realise supporting workers’ needs is not just the right thing to do, it’s essential for real competitive advantage — as well as for attracting and retaining high-value workers. Companies optimise their chances of successful outcomes when they consider the interplay between technology and culture as they create a strategy for growth and innovation.

NEW NEEDS, NEW CULTURE

Digital creates new worker needs and challenges. The good news: Digital also can solve some of them. Digital wellness In a world where mobile devices allow always-on connections, the boundaries between work time and personal time have eroded. Workers’ personal domains — family, social time, time alone — are being impinged upon by constant work.