Why the Traditional Ways of Doing Engineering Work Need to Evolve

"Take care of your?employees?and they'll take care of your business" - Richard?Branson

The traditional modes of working in engineering are facing a seismic shift. The ‘old paradigm’ ways of working are changing. Companies that recognise and adapt to these changes will be better positioned for success in the evolving landscape of engineering work. In this blog, we dive into some of the key aspects that underpin the need for a departure from ‘business as usual’ workplace practices in engineering, highlighting some of the benefits of adopting a new way of working.

Distributed and Decentralised Teams

Old paradigm: Centralised offices where all team members work under the same roof.

New paradigm: Companies are leveraging technology for distributed and decentralised teams, allowing talent to collaborate seamlessly from different locations around the world.

Benefits:

1. Access to global talent: Overcoming geographical constraints and tapping into a global talent pool.
2. Flexibility: Catering to the preferences of a diverse workforce regarding work locations and schedules. Engineering professionals are choosing companies that offer greater workplace flexibility than those that don’t.

Productivity vs. Office Time

Old paradigm: Hours spent in the office or booked on a project as a measure of productivity.

New paradigm: Relying on utilisation rate as the primary measure of productivity is an archaic way of working. Companies are acknowledging that time in the office does not always equal productive time, recognising the limitations of employee utilisation rate as a primary measure of output. Adopting a more holistic view of employee contribution results in a much better measure of success, valuing efficiency over the traditional 9-to-5 model.

Benefits:

1. Measurement of productivity: Acknowledging that the value of work goes beyond mere hours billed. Adopting a more accurate measure of productivity based on deliverables and output rather than time spent at the desk (quality over quantity).
2. Employee well-being: Engineering professionals are prioritising greater work-life balance, physical and mental well-being. Companies that promote employee well-being, engagement and job satisfaction allow for a physically and mentally healthier workforce, thereby improving productivity and reducing burnout and stress that can make or break a project.

Onsite vs. Remote Work

Old paradigm: Onsite work as the norm for successful project execution.

New paradigm: Acknowledging the advantages of remote and hybrid work, recognizing that productivity can thrive beyond the office walls and the need for micro-management.

Benefits:

1. Talent attraction and retention: By offering flexible work arrangements, companies appeal to a much broader range of candidates. More engineering professionals are choosing remote or hybrid work roles over onsite positions, often sacrificing remuneration for flexibility.
2. Cost efficiency: The benefit for companies is reduced overhead costs associated with maintaining large office spaces and infrastructure to support onsite teams.

Change for Success

In an era where agility and innovation are paramount, engineering companies must rethink their approaches to foster a dynamic and responsive work environment that is conducive to attracting and retaining the right talent. Adapting to distributed teams, outcome-focused metrics, and embracing the benefits of remote/hybrid work not only addresses contemporary pain points but also positions companies as forward-thinking leaders in their industries with obvious benefits.

For CEOs, directors, and managers, the challenge is not just in recognising the need for change but in actively implementing strategies that align with the evolving nature of work. The companies that champion this evolution will find themselves not only attracting top-tier talent but also staying ahead of the curve in an ever-changing business landscape.

The companies still around in the next decade will be the ones with the most agile workforces!