At the recent Randstad Leadership Dialogue organized by BW People in association with Randstad India and BW Businessworld, Mankiran Chowhan discussed major changes that are taking place in the working ecosystems across organizations

A lot has changed since the coronavirus pandemic first hit the world. Organizations had to make big changes in terms of nature and also the style of work. Mankiran Chowhan, Managing Director, Indian Subcontinent - SAP Concur stated, “I think there is a lot of contemplation happening about a shift from productivity to the wellbeing of the people. The world certainly shifted beneath our feet this year. I think it is also compelling organizations to do things differently.” said Chowhan speaking at the virtual event. 

It is being argued that many of the changes that have come about during the pandemic period are going to stay with us even once the pandemic subsides. Chowhan said, “I have been involved with discussions where the premise of how things get done is challenged. From an expectation perspective, employees and employers were going through a radical change. I think it is an evolving year, expectations have to be jointly agreed upon between the employee and the employer. To win in businesses, we first need to win in the workplace." 

Chowhan further elaborated on the changes that are expected in the workplace. “Employers have to support the need of new talent in the business - the millennials and the Gen Z workforce. They will be coming with expectations." She added, "The freedom to work from anywhere. The freedom to thrive, work faster, and go anywhere. The focus will also have to be on the role of technology and organizational policy supporting the environment.” 

Feedback from employees 

Given the rapid changes that are taking place, which will persist through the pandemic, organizations will have to develop metrics to determine how successful these are. Chowhan said, “It is not about getting back to where we were, it is getting back to what will be different. It is about getting to something that will be better.” She strongly argued for transparent and open communication between the employee and the employer. 

Chowhan pointed out that the flexibility of working-hours has been redefined. “It is important to remind ourselves that even the best system and best technology cannot do much if the employees are in distress. Never before have we focused so much of our effort on mental health, and I think the more the conversation gets normalised around mental health, and if we can be transparent with employees about it, the better it will be.”