The C-Suite executives are looking from new normal to next normal

It seems go-to-market is the next normal as the top leaders have geared up to be sales innovators and embedding data and technology throughout their organizations to reimagine sales. The pandemic has amplified these challenges, exposing weaknesses in existing sales models and gaps in digital readiness. In many ways, this data revolution in sales matches what happened to marketing departments three to five years ago, when they were forced to reorient their functions to be more analytically driven. In India prioritization of both Cloud and AI will increase by 25% points in the next two years, finds IBM Study. It states, global C-Suite executives revealed that nearly 6 in 10 organizations have accelerated their digital transformations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, 66% of executives said they have completed initiatives that previously encountered resistance. In India, 55% of Indian executives plan to increase their prioritization of digital transformation efforts over the next two years.

During the pandemic, traditional and perceived barriers to digital transformation like technology immaturity and employee opposition to change have fallen away. Now, executives see organizational complexity, inadequate skills and employee burnout as the biggest hurdles to overcome -- both today and in the next two years. The study shows that over the next two years, most executives plan to focus on internal and operational capabilities, such as increasing prioritization of workforce skills and flexibility – critical areas to address in order to jumpstart progress. Technologies like AI, automation and cybersecurity can make workflows more intelligent, responsive and secure – and they are increasing in priority across the board for global executives. Over the next two years, executives in India report that they have plans to increasingly apply automation across all business functions. Big jumps are expected in procurement (2x), risk (2x), supply chain (2.3x) and R&D (3.1x) in the next two years.

Secondly, as executives increasingly invest in cloud, AI, automation and other exponential technologies, leaders should keep in mind about the users of that technology. These digital tools should enable a positive employee experience by design, and support people's innovation and productivity.

More than two-thirds of executives globally said they will prioritize establishing remote work over the next two years as an option for their employees to ensure employee health, productivity and motivation. A survey says, when we return to the office, it will be anything but a return to normal. While we’ve been working from home, we’ve changed how we work. We’ve built new skills in how to work virtually. We’ve developed new ways to connect with our colleagues, clients, friends, and extended families. We’ve learned that working from home has, in fact, been brutally efficient and productive for most, especially for those trying to work individually. Now that many people have had to work from home, most people look forward to coming back to the office.

The report further says, post pandemic the life will be next normal. The pandemic has shown that we really miss people. We yearn for interaction and a shared work experience. We miss meetings with coworkers and clients. We miss socializing with our colleagues. We miss impromptu connections. And we miss the learning, coaching, and mentoring that comes naturally just by being together. The new workplace must be worth the commute - a human-centric experience where employees feel safe, healthy, and empowered. It must be a place where design can nudge healthy behaviors and people can feel that their work, and their personal well-being, is valued.