Connect, collaborate, create: why digital holds the key to the physical workspaces of tomorrow

Eight months after the pandemic first hit, and we have found ourselves catapulted into a digital-first world. The ways in which we were working a year ago are now a distant memory for many of us, as we continue to push ahead in a somewhat ‘makeshift’ office culture.

In my first year as CEO of Proximus, it has been a top priority to make sure our employees maintain a positive work/life balance. This is something we were taking seriously even before COVID-19.

Whilst time at home offers flexibility and breathing space for many, it is not without its drawbacks – as I think many of us are beginning to realise. Technology and digitisation have been a lifeline for businesses, but the true power of human connection is mysterious, and physical interaction, especially informal, is not so easily replaced by pixels on a screen. Where then does that leave the desks – and the people – from whom we continue to keep our distance? And with remote operations often the safest, most efficient way of working right now, what do we stand to gain by heading back to the office – and how might this look at Proximus?

“Redefining our dynamic gave us room to reset – not restart – our way of thinking.”

Like most businesses all over the world, the far-reaching effects of coronavirus continue to take us by surprise. And yet, even with everyone at home, we’ve actually been able to get some great results this year – with our Q3 domestic revenue and EBITDA growing despite the impact of Covid. By keeping an open mind and harnessing digital to the best of our ability, we’ve been able to embrace the path set before us in new and inventive ways. We’re planning what comes next and how such tools can be used to complement new ways of working, without entirely replacing all the good stuff we already have.

Productivity during lockdown is music to the ears of any leader. Taking digital to the next level requires discipline from everyone involved. We have to acknowledge all the new opportunities digital has afforded us. Team members are getting more creative with their bonding, checking in with each other more via WAP (our enterprise social platform), and engaging in more frequent and informal communication. We have honed our digital etiquette – from managing team meetings to inviting colleagues to coffee breaks. Redefining our dynamics in this way gave us room to reset, not restart, our way of thinking – being more mindful in how we engage our colleagues.

“Giving people plenty of options when it comes to where and how they work.”

Digital is what powers the remote working world. Yet, the magic of physical human connection, and the value it brings to both employees and the work itself, should never be underestimated. I am absolutely convinced that we need to rethink our workspaces to become a catalyst for meaningful physical interactions. Our vision is to give people different options when it comes to where and how they work.

We are planning to develop a network of spaces to suit every need. We are currently looking for a new home in Brussels, specifically designed to stimulate creativity and collaboration; company-wide kick-off meetings, brainstorming sessions, inviting customers to trial new solutions, and so on. Next, we will be providing a close-to-home alternative to home working for those longing to head into the office, by improving our regional footprint in the local districts. Then technology will afford people the options to work at home or on the go. This is an exciting new chapter for us, and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds.

In our new Brussels campus, we are looking for a space able to symbolise our brand, our culture, and what we stand for. As such, we need our new home to embody the future vision of Proximus in terms of architecture, image, spaces, technology and openness. We want to get away from the landmark skyscrapers that were the embodiment of 1990s power towards a flatter, more open, tech-first environment. We are also working hard to increase our focus on sustainability; this change will contribute to our journey towards carbon neutrality. Finally, with the people at the heart of our business, accessibility via public transport is key.

“Embracing a growth mindset and taking a more tailored approach to employees.”

As we continue on our quest to strike the right balance between remote and physical working, leaders across the business were forced to take a crash course in learning and development. Setting clear boundaries and expectations is still new to many of us – and speaking from personal experience, maintaining visibility can be a challenge. Embracing a growth mindset and taking a more tailored approach to employees – whether they choose to work around family commitments or are most at home in the office – has helped managers better coach and empower them. Giving individuals a sense of purpose and helping them to gather and channel energy in the right way can enable both parties do the best job possible, while also learning from each other.

Collaboration and the ability to evolve through collective intelligence is how we wish to shape our future. While remote working comes with its perks, there lies a clear choice ahead for businesses wishing to harness the power of digital for the better. Through innovative new workspaces, we can help colleagues from across the spectrum keep that creative spark alive.

If you’re a business planning a workplace transformation or trialling a hybrid way of working, I’d love to hear your story. Leave your comments below with the #TalentVoices hashtag. 

Guillaume.