CXO Outlook – July 2021 – India Edition – The Future of Workspace by Connecta Innovation

FUTURE OF WORKSPACES SPECIAL

INDIA EDITION

INSIGHTS. IDEAS. INSPIRATIONS

AASHISH AGARWAL, MANAGING DIRECTOR, WORKSPACE

NANDINI TANEJA, VICE PRESIDENT, REACHPRO GROUP

NAKUL MATHUR, MANAGING DIRECTOR, AVANTA BUSINESS CENTER DR. MALINI SABA, FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN, SABA GROUP & ANANNKE FOUNDATION

July 2021

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Future of workspaces (Indian Edition) Head of Advisory Board

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Dr. Varughese K.John, PhD

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Sarath Shyam

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CXO OUTLOOK July 2021 May 2020

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Is the Future Flexible? “Is this the time you come to work?” “Sorry, I was stuck in traffic.” Many of us must be missing this conversation now. Indeed, the new norms of social distancing have destroyed some common excuses forever. With no more travelling, no more late attendance, no wasting of time gossiping during work, and no worries about how we dress every day – workingfrom-home has been the most desirable thing many of us wished for but never thought possible until coronavirus came into our lives. Now, surveys after surveys state that a large chunk of employees and employers across the industries prefer to continue working from home. However, remote working does not work for everyone or for all aspects of an organization. The need for a physical work environment is inevitable. From onboarding new team members to collaborate on specific tasks, some things often just work better in an office. For instance, in an announcement to staff, Sundar Pichai - the chief executive of Google’s parent company, Alphabet

- said that the future of work is flexibility. According to the media reports, Google expects about 20% of its workforce to still work remotely after its offices reopen this fall, while some 60% will work a hybrid schedule that includes about three days in the office and two days “wherever they work best.” Like Sundar Pichai and Google, many experts and companies now consider workforce flexibility as the way forward. In this special issue of CXO Outlook, we have talked to industry leaders and experts about what they think of the future of workspace. The result is a collection of insightful articles and fascinating interviews by some prominent names across sectors. We hope our efforts will help our readers to understand the latest trends in workspace design and management. Enjoy Reading.

Sarath Shyam

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

ADVISORY BOARD

Dr. Kuldeep Nagi, Ph.D, MBA, BSc.

Program Director of Ph.D, Recipient of Fulbright Fellowship Award & Dan Evans Award for Excellence and Writer columnist.

Dr. Varughese K.John, PhD, MBA, MPhil, MCom, LLB. Former Program Director, MS in Management Program, GSATM - AU

Mamta Thakur Former CEO (ASEAN), Arc Skills

Mr. Amulya Sah, PGD PM & IR, PG Diploma in PM&IR (XISS Ranchi)

Chief Human Resources Officer, Former Head HR group Samsung R&D Institute India,Transformative HR Leader, Change agent, Digitization facilitator, Engagement architect, Trainer and Diversity champion.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

Dr. Ajay Shukla, Ph.D, MBA, BE. Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Higher Education UAE

Mr. Sreedhar Bevara, MBA, B.Com Former Senior General Manager: Panasonic Middle East & Africa, Thought Leader, Speaker & Author of ‘Moment of Signal’ (Amazon’s International Bestseller)

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

CONTENTS

Expert's Opinion BACK TO THE FUTURE: HOW THE OFFICE WILL EVOLVE AFTER THE PANDEMIC

Aashish Agarwal, Managing Director, Workspace

THE FUTURE OF RECRUITMENT IS GOING TO BE A SOCIAL MOVEMENT

Asif Upadhye, Director & Dark Knight, Never Grow Up

THE AUGMENTED WORKPLACE: FEATURES TO EXPECT IN THE POST-COVID WORLD

Dr. Malini Saba, Founder & Chairman, Saba Group & Anannke Foundation

FLEXIBLE OFFICE SPACES AS THE WORKPLACE RECOVERY SOLUTION

Nakul Mathur, Managing Director, Avanta Business Center

HOW RETAIL AND COWORKING SPACES WILL TAKE THE REAL ESTATE SECTOR TO NEXT LEVEL POST-PANDEMIC?

Nandini Taneja, Vice President, ReachPro Group

HOW HAVE STARTUP STRATEGIES CHANGED IN OFFICE WORK CULTURE?

Neha Agarwal, Founder, Digi Acai

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FACILITIES MANAGEMENT INTEGRAL TO ANY WORK CULTURE

Pradeep Lala, MD & CEO, Embassy Services Private Ltd

HOW DIGITALISATION EASED THE PANDEMIC FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Rajesh Subramanian, Founder, Ghoshak

HOW HAS TECHNOLOGY EASED REMOTE WORKING?

Sheshgiri Kamath, CEO & Co-founder, Kapture CRM

CHALLENGES AND EVOLUTION OF WORKPLACE AS A START-UP

Shivang Shah, Co-founder, Django Digital

PROS AND CONS OF TECHNOLOGIES USED BY EMPLOYERS FOR STREAMLINING WORK PROCESSES FOR EMPLOYEES

Vishal Kakkar, Business Head & Partner, Envisage

HR SPACE: HOW NEW TACTICS ARE PIONEERING THE STRONG WORK CULTURE AMID COVID

Yogita Tulsiani, Director & Co-founder, iXceed Solutions

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CONTENTS

Leader's Insights POST COVID WORK CULTURE

Abhijit Roy, CEO, Aapna Infotech

PREPARING BUSINESSES FOR HYBRID MEETINGS

Faiz Rehman Abbasi, National Business Head, India & SAARC (Collaboration), Barco

UNDERSTANDING THE AESTHETICS OF WINDOWS IN WORKSPACES

Nitin Mehta, Executive Director, ALCOI

INCLUSION OF LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY AT THE WORKPLACE

Prawal Kalita, Practice Leader - Employee Health & Benefits, Marsh India

UNDERSTANDING WORKPLACE OPERATIONS POST-PANDEMIC

Vinit Dungarwal, Director, AMs Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd.

MAKING WORKSPACES A SAFE HAVEN FOR EMPLOYEES

Yogesh Thore, Founder & CEO, Friyey

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

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Architect's View FUTURE OF WORKSPACES IN INDIA – HOW WILL THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF WORKSPACES CHANGE POSTPANDEMIC

Mitu Mathur, Director, GPM Architects and Planners FUTURE OF WORKSPACE DESIGNS: HOW DESIGNS WILL PROMOTE SAFETY AND OFFICE WORK CULTURE

Prashant Sawant, Vertical Head – Corporate Interiors, Edifice Consultants

DESIGN TRENDS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN THE NEW NORMAL AT WORKSPACES

Pritika Singh, Founder, Mohh

HOW WILL THE OFFICE WORK CULTURE CHANGE IN THE ‘NEW NORMAL’?

Rakhee Bedi, Founding Principal, Rakhee Shobhit Design Associates (RSDA)

REINVENTING WORKSPACES: MERGING THE OFFICE WITH WFH CULTURE

Stuti Gawri, Interior Designer & Director, The Greyy Room

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In My View COVID-19 SECOND WAVE: WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR FLEXIBLE WORKSPACES

Rishi Das, Co-founder, IndiQube

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IN MY VIEW

COVID-19 SECOND WAVE: WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR FLEXIBLE WORKSPACES Rishi Das, Co-founder, IndiQube

ust like everyone else, sometimes you too must have wondered – “when will all of this end?”. And just like everyone else, you too must be hoping that it does soon. So far, the pandemic has left us all worrying and in doubt about what it envelops. And rightly so! With newer discoveries and strains being identified in such short intervals, it is difficult to imagine the picture we see of the future. But one thing that remains is the inevitable ‘change’. And when it comes to workspaces it is no different! As we go on adapting to this dynamic situation in our daily and corporate lives, with the dangers of the second wave hovering above us, we are rebuilding our worklife habits too. That’s true! We are moving towards taking precautions

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

more and more seriously and hygiene can no longer be ignored at any cost. Here’s what we have learned from the second wave so far – Faster recovery Economically, the effect of the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic on the economy is likely to be muted, according to the Ministry of Finance's monthly economic survey recently. However, as per the rating agency Fitch, its economic impact may be less than what was seen last year. This points out a faster recovery of the markets in the future and a faster recovery means business and workspace engagement for the corporates. Since flexible workspaces are increasingly becoming the new normal, expecting healthy growth in this industry looks great!

Undoubtedly workspaces themselves are increasingly rebuilding themselves and becoming more flexible

Rishi Das is an accomplished industry leader and a well-recognised entrepreneur. His interest in diverse sectors has led him on a journey of growth across talent acquisition, HR management & commercial real estate. This exposure has helped him create great value through the companies he has set up, namely CareerNet, HirePro & IndiQube.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

Adaptive workspaces and flexible office structures have aligned the corporate lives with the need of the hour

Stricter Hygiene Requirements Corporates now have extended even greater support to their stakeholders. They are taking all possible measures to ensure the well-being of their employees. With the lessons from the second wave now, most of them have included better healthcare practices at workplaces and enforced adequate measures for precaution. Flexible workspaces give them an edge in doing. They enable businesses to better organize workspace while ensuring that measures are undertaken properly. Hence for the better, there can be a surge in their demands after the pandemic is over. Flexible Office Infrastructure With flexible workspaces, the corporates enjoy plenty of benefits. Co-working spaces, boost in employee morale, and creativity are to name a few. Handling the return of this wave has taught us important lessons about how dynamic the future might be. With this dynamism more and more businesses are taking steps to make themselves adaptive and future-ready. Undoubtedly workspaces themselves are increasingly rebuilding themselves and becoming more flexible. The Costs Flexible workspaces are a great way to reduce costs. Businesses are increasingly shifting to such

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

workspaces because this enables them to reduce their capital expenditures by a great margin. As the pandemic prevails and the wave hits again seriously than before, the costs are becoming a huge concern for businesses. Once out of this, businesses would try to save costs and those that aren’t taking advantage of such flexible workspaces may develop some inclination towards them very shortly. Should they not? They should absolutely! The above-mentioned are just some of the highlights that show us that the future can be prepared for today if we start adopting better alternatives. Adaptive workspaces and flexible office structures have aligned the corporate lives with the need of the hour. They are just the right thing that is complementing this change in the business world. And with their increasing popularity, they can be a solution to the workspace requirements that arise out of the pandemic. Competitive cost advantage, customized office structures, lower Capex, ready-tomove-into spaces, increased productivity, all this by just taking the right step and shifting to a promising and growing workspace model!

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

EXPERT OPINION

Back to the Future: How the Office Will Evolve after the Pandemic Aashish Agarwal, Managing Director, Workspace

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

T Aashish Agarwal leads the workspace business at ANSR, overseeing leasing, project design and operations to provide unique workspace-as-a-service solutions. Over the last 15 years, he has worked with clients across India and Asia Pacific on business strategy and specializes in creating and maximizing value from real estate assets. Aashish and his team focus on helping companies leverage the built environment to achieve their strategic objectives through immersive workspace experiences integrating brand and culture, collaboration, safety, sustainability, function and technology.

he office has evolved in form and function over the centuries; from hierarchical clusters and cubicle labyrinths to aesthetically pleasing open plan design, collaboration spaces and hot desking. However, COVID-19 has triggered a more fundamental shift in its role going beyond providing physical infrastructure for business functions, to enabling business success. Having endured more than a year of remote work and accelerated technology adoption, companies and employees have accepted that the future of work involves flexibility and hybrid work. However, the office is here to stay and depending on the strategic imperatives of each organization, the workspace will be a driver of cost resilience, a strategic asset or a catalyst for growth. Cost Resilience, Thriving through Uncertainty As uncertainty pervades the new normal, organizations are embracing an agile approach to navigate the business environment, which has been fluctuating between caution and enthusiasm. To reduce costs and protect margins, most organisations are re-evaluating their real estate needs and reducing unutilised capacity for a future entailing hybrid work. Companies are also looking at ways to move away from long-term commitments in real estate to flexible workspace solutions that do not involve upfront capital investment, ability to scale with changes in their business plans and eliminate the operational challenges of building and managing facilities. COVID-19 has also created some interesting challenges and opportunities for workspace design, which companies can utilize to their advantage. The future of work will require fluid work environments, where spaces are designed for possibilities, instead of defined identities. With flexibility being the common denominator, workspaces will be designed to achieve more output with less real estate, more efficient capacity modelling based on scheduled utilisation and more adaptability to changes in business needs and disruption. Looking beyond the pandemic, architecture, automation, immersive augmented reality, IoT and artificial intelligence will allow

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

companies to optimise operational costs through real time data analytics of energy and water consumption, adaptable lighting and temperature control as well as environmental monitoring for functionality and sustainability. Slowly but surely, the workspace is evolving from being a static expense to a versatile resource that delivers more for less.

Tangible and Intangible ROI of Workspace as an Asset: There is a paradox in the way workspaces are utilized and accounted for. While the new accounting rules recognize leases as a liability, very few organisations measure the ROI of workspaces in terms of impact on productivity, talent retention and brand-building. Data on corporate real estate is more than numbers on a spreadsheet. They are stories of people and their engagement with spaces where company culture and purpose are physically experienced - the souls behind the numbers. For every data point on ratio of collaboration spaces to workstations, there is a story of an agile team that undertakes remote remodeling of hundreds of retail stores in the US. For every dollar spent on height-adjustable desks, there is a story of a data scientist who spends several hours a day clustering and testing new algorithms to allow the supply chain to set new benchmarks of order fulfilment. In the new normal, people will come to office to collaborate, build social capital and feel connected to the organisation they work for. The workspace will foster trust, alignment with corporate culture, innovation and inclusion — these are human imperatives linked to successful business outcomes. The conversation about workspace investment is no longer about saving money, but strategic investment in design, infrastructure and technology that has measurable business impact. The most successful companies will leverage the design and experiential elements of the built environment and workplace services to provide an aspirational ecosystem,

that elevates the output over remote work and enhances the organisation’s ability to attract and retain their most important resource - talent. Catalyst for Change, Innovation and Growth: According to Microsoft, if 2020 was the year of the Chief Technology Officer, then 2021 will be the year of the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). Besides dealing with employee safety and wellbeing over the past several months, CHROs have been busy reimagining hiring, cultural alignment and employee engagement for a remote workforce. In the war for talent, the workspace is not just a differentiator, but a catalyst for facilitating human interaction in both physical and digital environments, which cannot be replicated at home or in any other setting. In a world that has been forced into isolation, people need opportunities for collaboration, communication and recognition that the workspace provides. New experiences, choice of spaces and a digital-first built environment will create opportunities for discovery, creativity, innovation, problem-solving and organic growth. Organisations who reimagine the workspace as a competitive advantage will change perception, manifest their brand identity, influence customer behaviour and inspire others to follow their lead. The past year has challenged the existence of the office and demonstrated the ability of the world to function without one. Yet, it has demonstrated remarkable resilience as an asset class, with investments of over $3Bn in India in 2020. The office will always exist, but mean different things to different organisations. However, its true value is measured by the people who work there and the impact they have on organizational goals. While some organisations will return to office as usual, certain others will fast forward to reimagining its purpose and business impact. If your organization falls in the latter category, welcome back to the future of work!

To reduce costs and protect margins, most organisations are re-evaluating their real estate needs and reducing unutilised capacity for a future entailing hybrid work

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

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LEADER’S INSIGHTS

POST COVID WORK CULTURE Abhijit Roy, CEO, Aapna Infotech Abhijit Roy is a co-founder and CEO of AAPNA Infotech. He is a

passionate technology entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in providing solutions to enterprise customers and startups.

he Covid-19 pandemic has tremendous and swift effects on workplace culture. While we don't know the complete impact yet, it is for sure that the novel coronavirus is going to change our lives in ways we never thought was possible. The way businesses operate, the way we travel and the way we work, are some of the things that are going to change dramatically in the post covid-19 world. The entire business world has shaken due to the sudden downfall in the economy which is the result of the lockdown. All around the globe, individuals have been transferred and promoted; all of this happened while being on video calls and emails.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

Covid-19 has swept the workplace like a hurricane, scattering employees in every direction, exposing many to new risks and redefining what each one needs to do on their jobs safely, efficiently, and effectively. During this pandemic, client needs and expectations have also changed drastically. There has been a shift toward digitisation, which is obviously the need of the hour and fast emerging as a new normal. Coming back to the actual and realistic scenario of the industry. I must say in the post Covid-19 we are now entering a new world where offices may take place in your home.

ALL AROUND THE GLOBE, INDIVIDUALS HAVE BEEN TRANSFERRED AND PROMOTED; ALL OF THIS HAPPENED WHILE BEING ON VIDEO CALLS AND EMAILS

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

Many companies and industries in technology or software development have moved towards a hybrid work model and allowing employees to work remotely most of the time. Teams can decide when they would like to come into the office for meetings that are going to give them benefit from physical presence – sprint planning, retrospectives, brainstorms etc. Work cultures will now redefine themselves to focus more on results and less on attendance. Online meetings have become the norm. Individuals are now able to integrate work life with home life.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

TELLING THE TRUTH AT ALL TIMES IS KEY TO BUILDING TRUST IN A REMOTE WORK TEAM, AND A REGULAR WORK TEAM FOR THAT MATTER

Employees are working remotely and organizations should make sure that they do not work alone. The lines of communication must be kept open. Managers should check in on employees regularly by both team meetings and one-on-ones. The goal of the organization must be to ensure people remain connected, engaged. Managers just can’t walk over to someone’s desk and see how they’re doing. Similarly, while working from home, managers can’t always accurately track an employee’s working hours. The chit chat among the co-workers must not

stop. It should keep going via social media or some other means of staying in touch. Telling the truth at all times is key to building trust in a remote work team, and a regular work team for that matter. Leaders can also communicate the importance of discipline and boundaries. People working wholly alone tend to become less productive over time, although they may work longer hours than they did in the office. The boundaries between working and not working become eroded. Home workers do not receive signals about when to switch off, which office workers do when they walk out of their office building at the end of the day. There is and will be increased use of communication, monitoring and productivity tools. Tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams and others are enabling rapid communication between people and teams. There are apps like Zoom, WebEx, and teams for meetings and collaborations. There are solutions such as Google Drive, Basecamp, and Asana for collaboration on projects. And then there are monitoring tools such as ActiveTrack, Teramind and Prohance, which allow you to track team activities. The list goes on and on. As a matter of fact, these softwares must be used by the employees in the most effective way. There is no new normal for work as yet. The pandemic has surely created a host of challenges for all the companies out there. But in difficulty lies opportunity. Organizations must identify the most important elements for each and every business and function. They must re-envision it completely, involving the employees. Most importantly, the organizations should strive for integrity. Those are the days when employers could retain their workforce only with financial perks. The new age employer has to keep up with the needs of the workplace. It’s time to accept the fact that it is important to find a work-life balance. The workforce will be more attentive now to connect with the entire team as they are working in virtual space, so their efficiency will enhance. We need to make new policies, guidelines for work from office and home, and define the rational requirement of the employee in the office or home etc. We need to ensure support to execute these policies to make a winwin situation for employees and the employer. We are standing in front of a new world of work culture, and it is time for us to embrace the changes. Re-imagining and reconstructing culture and practices while working from home will serve as the biggest foundation of an improved operating model that leverages the best for remote work.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

EXPERT OPINION

The Future of Recruitment Is Going to be a Social Movement Asif Upadhye, Director & Dark Knight, Never Grow Up

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

Asif Upadhye is a Director and Dark Knight at Never Grow Up, a Work Culture Consultancy with turnkey capabilities in areas of Employer Branding, Employee Insights & Well-being. With over a decade of experience in the HR domain & backed by a practical understanding of organisational culture building, leadership training and employee experience at large, he hopes to revolutionise the work culture domain, one happy employee at a time.

e’re already six months into 2021 and the corporate sector is still witnessing a strong wave of awareness on diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I), a trend that has been carried over from 2020. It begs the question then, are your hiring practices and policies framed in a truly inclusive manner? Especially when hiring posts are often drafted somewhat like this “Positions open only to women, the LGBTQ+ community and PwDs.” What’s the first thought that comes to mind when you read such a disclaimer on a job post? Is the recruiter trying to be diverse, or is it another attempt at showing positive numbers on a sheet? While there are various technical factors that determine D&I recruiting trends, this article covers the future course that recruitment will shift towards and how companies can best prepare for it. Practicing What you Preach It’s no secret that too many organizations focus on fulfilling mandates instead of truly creating a diverse workforce that is also inclusive. If companies across geographies boast about their diversity ratio, why are leadership roles in corporate India still dominated by men? Leadership representation by minority groups seems to be considered only in accordance with Indian regulation wherein companies have to have at least one woman on the board and at least 5% of the entire workforce comprising people with disabilities. If your hiring posts have the “Equal Employer” tag, live by it and truly work towards creating equal opportunities that are inclusive of everyone. If you change your brand logo every June, then also ensure that your company really does support the professionals from the LGBTQ+ community! And if you’re a global company that does this, ensure your efforts are maintained across countries, not only in a selective few. This year turned out to be a real eye-opener for companies as they were called out for their performative support during Pride month. While this example specifically relates to being a true ally of the LGBTQ+ community, it in fact highlights how the corporate sector often tends to ride the topical bandwagon without being genuine in their efforts.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

It’s easy to identify how society is beginning to influence certain employment policies and practices in the corporate sector across the globe. D&I recruitment has evolved from being a mere strategic move, to a social movement that enforces real change.

Ethics and values are being used as parameters to define a company as a suitable employer for Gen Z

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

Acknowledging the Fight for Recognition While the pandemic continues to rage across the world, we continue to witness various protests for equal recognition in society and in the employment sector. Black Lives Matter, Stop Asian Hate, the yearly Pride parades; with all of these and more, people are being more vocal about the lack of representation in leadership positions - Positions that are deemed to bring about a positive shift in society at large. The ferociousness of this fight for recognition has peaked to the extent that organizations cannot turn a blind eye to the reality of the situation. Some companies began providing financial aid towards small businesses that were owned and managed by people of colour, while some upped their hiring practices to ensure they empowered a community with fair career opportunities. In this context, statistics from a LinkedIn survey holds true - almost 73% of HR professionals belonging to APAC regions believe that diversity will play a major role in defining future recruiting trends. Recruiting to Uplift Candidates bring so much more to a company than just skill. The diversity of thought and action that is drawn from one’s unique life experiences also add great value in building an inclusive work environment. The rapid introduction of digital work tools has pushed hiring practices towards taking a complete 180-degree turn. With such technological advancements, HR teams and talent heads can no longer ignore people with disabilities, single parents, new moms and others with eldercare responsibilities, as eligible employees. Moreover, the sudden call for remote working in 2020 reiterated the earnest appeal of such talent – work can be done from anywhere! This has opened the doors to a wider section of untapped talent brimming with unique ideas and perspectives. When companies make such hires on a regular basis and not to meet mandates, an entire section of society is uplifted. It’s a reminder that differences or what we society views as shortcomings of an individual don’t actually affect output.

27 Asif Upadhye

Giving back to society in the form of CSR is not enough to be viewed as an employer who stands for sustainability and societal empowerment. Ethics and values are being used as parameters to define a company as a suitable employer for Gen Z. Millennials too are beginning to prefer an employer who walks the talk. And with technology acting as an equalizer, the talent race is going to be about catching the most inspired, and not skilled. For skills can be taught, but an inspired employee can unleash creativity and productivity like no other! For companies that use AI as the first level of application filtering, it is imperative to regularly feed such hiring tools with clean and large data. Although automated, these tools do tend to mirror human behaviour to an extent considering the number of special filters employed to “pick

out” diverse talent. The use of AI in recruiting is an advantage as it saves time but it’s not the most reliable method. Therefore, to reduce any form of prejudice on the part of technology and human behaviour, the foundation of hiring needs to be relooked at constantly. Only then can one trust technological and human efforts in bridging the diversity gap. And so, while the future of recruitment is going to be a social movement, let’s play our cards right to truly build a diverse and inclusive workforce. Sounds too good to be true? It’s actually more achievable than one would imagine. If we’ve reached this point in recognising the importance of DE&I in every corporate action and decision, then let’s ensure that it’s only onwards and upwards from here!

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

ARCHITECT’S VIEW

Future of Workspaces in India – How Will the Infrastructure of Workspaces Change Post-Pandemic Mitu Mathur, Director, GPM Architects and Planners

Mitu Mathur is an accomplished architect and urban designer, with extensive experience in designing urban planning, institutional, commercial and housing projects. As the Director of GPM, she has been steering the firm's growth since 2006, exemplifying its collaborative and interdisciplinary approach towards architecture and planning. Mitu continuously questions the current notions of architectural development and strongly believes in delivering innovative design solutions for rapidly changing urban environments. With a background in architecture and urban design, she brings the expertise of both disciplines in developing holistic plans for urban centres and capacity building for communities.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

rban areas today necessitate the need for constant growth and change. With the increase in social and economic demands, our buildings have not been able to respond to this change effectively. Generally, buildings are designed with the intention of serving specific functions and user groups, and not experience any significant change in their lifetime. The Covid-19 pandemic has made us realise how the spaces that we inhabit can profoundly be impacted by changing situations. The pandemic has transformed the way we work and has left us in anticipation of how the future of workspaces will look like. Today, the true luxury that we seek is through the spaces we occupy – from our homes to our workspaces. Hence, each space has to be carefully designed to accommodate the changing requirements while ensuring physical and mental wellbeing. For instance, during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, adaptability and innovation have become the new buzzwords in the construction industry, especially with numerous commercial centres, hotels, stadiums and parking lots being adapted into makeshift healthcare facilities for the affected Covid patients. This has brought a considerable shift in the way we view our built environment and the need to re-evaluate them to come up with solutions that can cater to these ever-changing circumstances. This has led designers to rethink their design practices and integrate new ideas to ensure a better, safer and sustainable living environment.

The future of workspaces depends on the ability to adapt to dynamic and changing circumstances

Adaptability is the Future The concept of flexibility and adaptability in architecture emerged with modernism and has been rooted in design ever since, particularly with the application of open plan design in building forms. With ever-changing human needs, architecture has to challenge to meet the needs of all user groups. The traditional approach to design needs to be replaced with innovative ideas and experimentation of

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

spaces. As spaces have the ability to be used in multiple ways without any actual physical alterations, it becomes the key aspect of an adaptable and flexible design. Adaptability refers to the ability of buildings to accommodate significant changes over the course of their lifetime without compromising the needs and safety of the users. The continuous reimagination of the layout of building spaces and their structure to the evolving needs of humans and the environment is an indicator of an adaptable design. In fact, the future of our built environment depends on such easy modifications according to the present requirements and can be assessed on the basis of its flexibility, adaptability and sustainability. Within office spaces, flexibility and adaptability have created a niche over the last couple of years. It has enabled companies to adapt easily to new challenges, cut down operational and expansion costs, increase productivity, thereby, allowing them to grow steadily without the need to rebuild their infrastructure. Adaptable workspaces have the potential to use the same amount of space more efficiently than regular buildings. This means that occupants are able to use the floor areas more effectively with changing needs and situations. Adaptability is also a considerable strategy for extending the lifetime of buildings without causing any significant environmental impacts associated with demolition and rebuilding, and significantly reducing the overall cost. It is also an effective way to incorporate new technologies and design innovations at work as they become available. Solutions to Aid Workplace Productivity The future of workspaces depends on the ability to adapt to dynamic and changing circumstances. To create adaptable workspaces, new practices need to be integrated, which lay down the various measures that we, as architects and designers, can take into account while designing for

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

the future. An understanding of the human mindset post-pandemic is necessary to create healthy and cohesive spaces that can induce productivity, collaboration and creativity. Spaces that help people to network but at the same time offer them the necessary space for social distancing is the need of the hour. Assessing all such conditions, it is realised that a significant shift in the design strategy for workspaces is needed to adapt to multiple functions. Large-scale corporate office complexes with column-free spaces offer us a chance to introduce flexibility into the design. An efficient design of structural grid and functional modules of built forms allows for an open floor plan that can freely be transformed as per need. Designing a modular and standardized structure creates the provision for further extension. Using lightweight and movable partitions, instead of fixed cubicles, that can be easily reconfigured can facilitate easy change of layout in the future. Planning the location of fixed elements in buildings like circulation cores, duct shafts, etc. ensures that the use of space is as flexible as possible. One of our recently completed projects, the office building at KG Marg, was converted into housing for defense personnel during the pandemic, thus giving an example of how spaces can be multi-functional and converted according to the present needs of user groups. In addition, all future offices and workspaces should be designed in such a way that they can be adapted into multi-purpose facilities in case of crisis and emergencies. Such strategies of adaptive reuse can change the character of workspaces. Today, with the unpredictability of future needs, there is constant anticipation of how building spaces will be designed. With new innovations and increasing levels of comfort, transformation in the way of living and working has become very common. Hence, buildings should be designed to adapt, evolve and change with time. The future of workspaces has to be accounted for by architects and all aspects of adaptability have to be imbibed within the design philosophy.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

EXPERT OPINION

The Augmented Workplace:

Features to Expect in the Post-COVID World Dr. Malini Saba, Founder & Chairman, Saba Group & Anannke Foundation

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

W Dr Malini Saba a self-made Businesswomen and the founder & chairman of Saba Group & Anannke Foundation. Dr Malini Saba is an advocate for marginalized & with an aim to help ‘one billion’ people she launched ‘Anannke Foundation’ to serve as the umbrella organization for all of her philanthropic efforts and activities, which supports education, health, art and culture, livelihood generation and human rights. Dr Malini Saba is also an ardent philanthropist, psychologist, single Mother, fitness enthusiast, author, passionate culinarian, human & social rights activist and a global advocate for women and girls.

hen we think about sharing office spaces and desks, the post pandemic mind recoils, aghast at the physical proximity we once shared with our teammates and colleagues. However, collaboration and communication, and therefore, productivity was at its peak. With the roll out of vaccines, we are set to step bravely into the new world, a post pandemic world where we try to emulate the era gone by but in a safe as well as secure manner. However, the pandemic inspired workplace trend and technology will continue to rule the roost as it has brought up a fundamental change in the way we work. From enabling remote working to cross platform connection, augmented workplaces, though picked up pace during the restrictions, will continue to be a preferred choice for many. Here are some of the new and improved augmented workplace features you can expect when you get back to office. Building Information Management (BIM) The current digital landscape gives way to virtual reality that enables people to view the world and its elements from the safety and comfort of their private spaces. Building Information Management (BIM) is one such innovation that will help office and business owners create a virtual landscape of their workspaces for an effective representation as well as safety for their employees. For instance, a virtual walkthrough allows stakeholders to tweak their office design spaces more effectively in order to cater to emergency situations and have the flexibility to change it in case of last minute agendas (we have had a lot of those during the pandemic). The BIM allows designers to integrate technologies like IoT to make the office space more up to date and big data that can help craft work-life experiences. Advanced Occupancy Planning As mentioned, forethought and pre-planning is very important in the post pandemic world. When it comes to the back to office scenario, it is important to note that old space planning has no room in the post-pandemic world. Social distancing will continue to be a non-negotiable clause and design spaces have to accommodate that. One of the prime examples of an augmented workplace is the

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

Dr. Malini Saba

one linked to sensor technology that allows office-goers to determine their desks without entering the specific rooms. This reduces the need for interaction. This sensor technology is also helpful for space designers and business planners to understand how they can optimize their workspace effectively in case of a renewed work from home policy in the light of the pandemic. Sensor technology can create meaningful data that can help companies take appropriate measures to ensure social distancing.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

Ventilation and Air Filtration System It has been mandated by WHO and governments to maintain a premise with maximum natural light and ventilation. This calls for an enhanced filtration system. HVAC systems are equipped to adapt to the new normal, ensuring that harmful and stale air is constantly replaced with a fresh supply which can help reduce the chances of transmission. The UV and HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filtration systems will be an important part of the physical workspace and would require the

insight of an engineer to make it more robust and viable to cater to the current tall demands. Voice Control We are all by now, used to commanding Alexa and Google to regulate our home lights, sound and other electronic functioning. The pandemic

AI and Ml technology can help office spaces be on top of their maintenance schedule and also predict further maladies, helping the operations task force aid the problem in real-time.

and the ‘no-touch’ regulations will be giving a boost to voice-controlled office spaces as well. High congregation areas like meeting rooms and kitchens that have a constant population influx will see the likes of voice controlled layout that will enable connectivity but without the touch. Coffee makers in the kitchen and screen technology or dial-ups in the meeting rooms can

be easily regulated by voice-control and help make a touch-free zone for all workers. A little further into the future and the voicecontrolled devices would prove helpful for scheduling meetings, maintenance tasks and so much more to enhance productivity. We are already doing that on a personal level with our smartphones, but the time is not far when office spaces leverage the technology to streamline their redundant tasks as well. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Maintenance Tasks Maintenance is a non-negotiable aspect of any space, whether a workspace or home. In the post pandemic world, having a functioning workspace will usually comprise enhanced air filtration systems, maintenance infrastructure and hygiene parameters, in addition to the usual provisions. AI and Ml technology can help office spaces be on top of their maintenance schedule and also predict further maladies, helping the operations task force aid the problem in real-time. Having a maintenance alert system in place will ensure utmost hygiene as well as safety, being in line with the stringent cleanliness rules in the postpandemic world. Smart Spaces Last but not the least, smart spaces will be an integral part of the post-pandemic office culture. As stated by their ‘smartness’, these workspaces will be controlled by smart devices, helping workers gather information of every space and an overview of the layout. It will also allow viewers to check the social distancing protocols (or lack thereof), and also keep an eye out for the ventilation and temperature check to maintain an optimum work environment. This will reduce unnecessary contact and prove to be very helpful in the post pandemic dynamics. Earlier, these technologies were often considered utopian or classified into the luxury category. However, with changing times, they are rising to the ranks of daily essentials and will change the dynamics of the workspaces that we know today.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

LEADER’S INSIGHTS

PREPARING BUSINESSES FOR HYBRID MEETINGS Faiz Rehman Abbasi, National Business Head, India & SAARC (Collaboration), Barco

36 Faiz is Sales Leader for Barco's collaboration portfolio representing India & SAARC region. Demonstrated history of working in unified communication and SaaS industry. Experience in Sales & Business Development, Channel Strategy & Management, Business Unit Management, P&L Management, Expense Management and Contract Management.

he rapid move to digitization on account of Covid-19 has been unprecedented. To ensure continuity, businesses globally were forced to adopt remote working almost overnight. In these testing times, technology has remained a vital link between business leaders, employees, customers, and supply chains. In the reboot that we are now looking for, the debate is no longer whether remote or hybrid work is feasible. The

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

pandemic has proved that’s it’s not only feasible but also practical and efficient. Chief Financial Officers are unlikely to give up on the substantial savings from the reductions in business travel and smaller workplaces that remote working made possible during the pandemic. Employees may also have gained by moving to less expensive locations, or by saving on a daily commute. It’s a win-all deal, and the future of work is hybrid.

THE RIGHT MIX OF REMOTE, HYBRID, OR OFFICE-BASED WORK WILL KEEP CHANGING FOR SOME TIME AS ORGANIZATIONS DETERMINE THE APPROPRIATE BALANCE TO MOVE AHEAD

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

Thanks to technology, we have adapted well to the new reality. However, this is a world where collaboration may be asynchronous, happening anytime, and it is far more efficient to interact with teams over the right sight and share technology. For hybrid work to truly work overtime, we need to fundamentally reimagine work, and rethink collaboration and meetings. We need to redesign our workplaces to accommodate inoffice employees and remote engagements. We need to

BUSINESS CONTINUITY IS ESSENTIAL AND THAT REQUIRES ADOPTING NEW PARADIGMS OF WORKING AND COMMUNICATING, WITH THE RIGHT DIGITAL TOOLS

ensure our platforms are redesigned so that everyone can attend seamlessly and without technical glitches or cumbersome connecting wires. During the meeting, the whiteboard should not only be visible to all, but even the remotest worker should be able to substantially add to the process. We need to step in time with the right technology, to ward off the unpleasant outcome of the remote worker feeling isolated, or being denied equal benefits. Along

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

with installing the right tech, we need to rethink our digital security, with robust firewalls to keep bad actors at bay. Most formal tasks happen digitally extremely well. Daily meetings, online training, and even conclusive talks at the end of a transaction can be done over visual sharing technology. What’s challenging is the desire for colleagues not to miss out on opportunities for physical interactions, questions of bonding, isolation, connection, job security, access, culture, and control. These are issues that will be handled by HR teams over time. There is no one size fits all, and then move ahead requires empathy and caution, to take the business, the entire process as well as employees into due consideration. The right mix of remote, hybrid, or office-based work will keep changing for some time as organizations determine the appropriate balance to move ahead. For the remote worker, visual media is important, to share path-breaking changes, daily progress, good news, bad news, and so on. Businesses have to look into the technologies and working practices that are needed to deliver truly flexible working. We are all now desirous of an accelerated growth period, to offset the deep economic challenges brought by Covid. Business continuity is essential and that requires adopting new paradigms of working and communicating, with the right digital tools. According to a Barco research, moving ahead, 33% meetings will be in-person and 29% of meetings in the future will be hybrid. The report also suggested that 62% of meetings will take place in meeting rooms indicating increasing office optimism and eagerness to return to the office. This means offices will need more video-enabled meeting rooms to allow participation from remote workers. We have to make the working environment hybrid-friendly, and this can’t be seen narrowly from a meeting and virtual conferencing perspective only. It’s also about a new way to work and a new office environment that all are happy to be in and contribute substantially. The new model must-have technology that’s simple to install and in sync with new requirements. There’s also the need for reliable aftersales service and support. The new vision must be communicated and piloted well. When dealing with hybrid teams, small connections count. The opportunity to discuss, share, connect, mentor, and network are vital attributes of a thriving office. A hybrid workplace with the right connection tools enables that all.

Higher Education Digest July 2020

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

EXPERT OPINION

Flexible Office Spaces as the Workplace Recovery Solution Nakul Mathur, Managing Director, Avanta Business Center

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

N Nakul joined Avanta in 2008 when Avanta opened its center in India, by mid-2009 with the world going into a heavy recession like several other businesses Avanta was reeling under a lot of pressure. Then being the regional operations manager, he took the responsibility of turning the business around. It was a combination of focused sales, understanding the customers, keeping people happy, tweaking the product offerings, and controlling costs that made this rather impossible transformation possible. He has always been thankful to the team for working with him under these tough and demanding conditions.

obody can predict the future but the one who prepares for everything well in advance keeping in mind and anticipating all the pros and cons without hitting the panic button is considered intelligent. If someone fails to plan, certainly he/she somehow is planning to fail even without an iota of knowledge. These heavy words containing the gravity of 'Show Must Go On' force us to think about how to ensure things keep going and moving forward in the right direction even when something unprecedented happens with us, especially when we are running a business. So, how to be sure that businesses won't be impacted even under highly negative circumstances like the Covid-19 pandemic, cyber crime or internet related attack, fire tragedy, natural calamities like flood, earthquake, cyclonic storm, typhoon, hurricane, et al? Now, here 'Workspace Recovery Plan' comes into picture so that your business stays consistent with robust 'Business Continuity Plan'. Why 'Workspace Recovery Plan', 'Business Continuity Plan' should be an integral part of your longterm sustainable business strategy? Any unprecedented and unexpected incidents may leave your business with an irreparable loss. Hence, it is better to be ready and geared up for Business Continuity Plan to ensure that the damage is minimum when unforeseen occurrences befall. How Flexible Office Spaces Offers The Best Workplace Recovery Solution? Now a day, when we talk about Business Continuity Plan, one of the most talked about terms that come first to our mind is Flexible Office Spaces or flex space or plug and play offices. Flexible work arrangements give a lot of boost to dynamic environments as they have everything like traditional offices but arranged in a highly versatile way. Flexible Office Spaces: Top benefits? Peace of mind - The one who has peace of mind has everything and needs nothing! When office space is guaranteed in any case of uncertain future or unprecedented incidents, people running businesses can be at complete peace of mind about an alternative place that is always available and designed to fit your requirements. Professional environment: Under most of the flexible office spaces arrangement, you get an office building that

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

Flexible office spaces allow businesses to recover securely, and that's why the concept is gaining importance at a very rapid pace

Nakul Mathur

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

is already up and running with trained and professional staff. Businesses get all the basic amenities and facilities required to run your business smoothly. Quick and easy set up: Under the concept of Flexible Office Spaces, the process of workspace recovery is quick and easy to set up - which means the transition from one space to another will be far smoother than business owners think. Why Workplace Recovery Solution is the next big thing? Workplace Recovery Solution protects your business from the impact of unexpected incidents and in times of crisis. Workplace Recovery Solution ensures that businesses run as usual with minimum impact of the negative incidents. Workplace flexibility: Flexible workspaces have immense benefits attached to them. Basically, office space flexibility is all about adding dynamism to your workplace. Flexible office spaces as workplace recovery plans are a big responsive support to ensure business continuity. Flexible office spaces give your business everything they need to keep your business running in context with workplace recovery solutions. Workplace recovery plans offer you a sense of security to recover from the loss and sustain all kinds of disruption and eventually keep the business running even in times of major crisis and unexpected events. What all should be mandatorily included in Workspace Recovery Solution: Prerequisites? Type of workspace - Fully furnished, instant move-in workspaces - Access to state-of-the-art meeting, training & conference facilities - Private pedestal for storage of personal stuffs Facilities management -O nsite customer service staff and a business centre manager - Onsite IT support - Security access control - Daily cleaning and office maintenance

-U tilities which includes electricity, water, heating and air conditioning etc. Technical Support - Unlimited high-speed internet -L andline with designated numbers and business handset (if required) Video conferencing Audio/Video Conferencing Common Areas - Professionally staffed reception to greet visitors -F ully maintained & equipped pantry and break-out space - Access to fax machine, printers, scanners and photocopiers Flex space: Work-life balance In this era of work-life balance amid the Covid-19 pandemic hitting economies and disturbing lives across the world, the flexible workplace concept has gained immense importance. Not only flexible office spaces offer the workplace recovery solution, it enhances productivity, acts as a motivation booster, and encourages innovation amongst employees. Moreover, workplace recovery solution is important because disasters happen more often than we think. And, according to a report, 40-60% of small businesses don’t reopen following a disaster. Flexible office spaces allow businesses to recover securely, and that's why the concept is gaining importance at a very rapid pace.

Flexible workspace: Big potential lies ahead According to a survey, a flexible workspace has the potential to offer the right answer for many companies that are facing an uncertain future amid the pandemic. The current pandemic will drive further growth to the flexible workspace sector due to increased flexibility, reduced capital investment, and an enhanced customer experience. Flexible work spaces allow your business to flourish as truly flexible workplaces provide the versatility and dynamism sought by employees and employers.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

ARCHITECT’S VIEW

Future of Workspace Designs: How Designs Will Promote Safety and Office Work Culture Prashant Sawant, Vertical Head – Corporate Interiors, Edifice Consultants

Prashant has considerable experience in all architectural aspects of a project, having performed roles both at the studio within the design team, in addition to site and client management. His track record of projects handled includes an SEZ, amongst the largest in the country. Prashant believes that a refined aesthetic or “the right look and feel” in a project is essential for a positive user experience the most crucial aspect of a designed space. He is always keen to research and implement new techniques and material palettes in his design.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

How the future designs will be addressing employee comfort? How will the infrastructure assure maximum safety to their employees when they come back to their offices? Employee health and wellbeing are high on all company radar screens today. The workplace of the future is not ever going to be the same. The workplace needs well-designed, unique collaborative spaces that are flexible and adaptable. There are two angles to ensuring safety of employees: The Design angle, and the Operational angle – both with the maximum utilization of technology possible to bring us together rather than segregate us at workplaces. Design: ‘Bleach cleanable’ is often a prerequisite within healthcare design; this vocabulary had never entered the corporate office due to its institutional perception. Now, hardware will be retrofitted with new antimicrobial options or sensors to open doors. Reception areas will still provide warm welcoming zones – but with a strategically designed barrier to the receptionist and bottled water instead of that communal pitcher or Keurig. The use of shared, large scale furnishings like multi-seat sofas may sway toward individual chairs. While maintaining the existing layout of desks and furniture, seating can be assigned to accommodate the latest recommendations for safe physical distancing. The contribution of indoor air systems to the spread of pathogens is nothing new, but there will be a heightened awareness for how recirculated air in office buildings is treated and zoned for the health and safety of its occupants. Buildings will face increased pressure to prove additional investment in mechanical filtration and maintenance as well as design of systems that incorporate increased fresh air intake to reduce the amount of re-circulated air within the office space. Older buildings

Post-pandemic, employees will increasingly be working in what we call the hybrid office — The office will become primarily a culture space, providing workers with a social anchor, facilitating connections, enabling learning, and fostering unscripted, innovative collaboration

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

that offer operational windows may be more desirable to allow occupants better access to outside air. Operations: As people start to return, workplace apps are evolving to include new features focusing on health and safety. We can expect enhanced cleaning protocols in office buildings and transparency in the communications of these – at most, a state or federally regulated baseline standard. There will need to be obvious evidence of this routine, with visible indicators of the last time an area was serviced. We are not talking about the sheet of paper at the restroom, but digital cues and indicators of servicing and timing in addition to observing service workers in action – cleaning frequently and correctly disinfecting surfaces per cleaning agent instructions. There is growing demand to not only keep employees safe but to keep buildings as secure as possible. Facial recognition technology offers a quick and seamless way to verify who’s coming in and out of the building. To mitigate the chance of bringing COVID-19 to the office, companies are implementing mandatory screening protocols for all employees every day before they enter the office. Screening questions range from travel-related questions to health symptoms. The results of the screen will indicate whether the individual should enter the workplace or remain home on each day. As we proceed into the months ahead, and plans commence for the return to the office, we hope these considerations can support the balance of business continuity and the safety of workers everywhere. What major changes will be seen in the office culture post-pandemic? Will the in-office work culture survive the work from the home trend? The office is shifting from a place of work to a place of collaboration. It used to be that the office was for everyone working 9-to-6 hours; now people will dip in and out of the space, so the space will need to reflect that. Having more flexibility is here to stay as well. It is not the death of the office, though, as some people are saying. Not everyone is going to work from home all the time. We like to interact with other human beings in the same space. Technology has a long way to go before it can replicate that. Studies have long shown that frequent in-person interactions lead to commitment, support, and cooperation among people on teams. Post-pandemic, employees will increasingly be working in what we call the hybrid office — The office will become primarily a culture space, providing workers with a social anchor, facilitating connections, enabling learning, and fostering unscripted, innovative collaboration.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

It is going to be the trend of flexible schedules and hybrid offices – where some people come in, others work from home, and many do both – is here to stay. This means that businesses need to reimagine offices as places built less for individual knowledge work than for learning, collaboration, and culture-building. What are the changes brought by the pandemic in the workplaces? As the Covid-19 pandemic still rages across India, workplaces are bound to change drastically due to the coronavirus. We will see an increased focus on employee health and sanitization. Workplaces will become more distributed and high-powered with a rise in technology being implemented to tackle working with fewer people. There will be many changes in the workplace to deal with after the lockdown ends and majority of those working from home resume working from offices. As Covid-19 has changed a lot in our lifestyle, especially affecting our work life, here are few things that will change in workplaces as people return back to their offices: De-centralised For those who adapt remote work more readily and function smoothly and more efficiently through the same, offices will become decentralized and will gain a renewed, focused purpose of collaboration or being a space to tackle work that cannot be done remotely. Corporate flexibility will emerge as a theme as we aim to achieve seamless switching between remote and office working. Increased hygiene Offices will see increased signage’s, hygiene, contactless facilities, increased automation and technology as the binding component of the changes that are coming into play. Automation will play a huge role from entry into the office to systems such as lights, attendance, washrooms, accessing amenities amongst other aspects Less populated Offices will also see increased hot-desking, smart scheduling, rotational shifts and design that does not function around the office being at maximum capacity. Rather, utilization and revision of existing space will take prominence. While the trend so far has been of densification, it will now go dramatically into reverse as occupancy density emerges as a core issue for hygiene, safety and functioning.

Prashant Sawant Better air circulation Air quality and circulation within offices will be revised and revamped as aspects of design may be borrowed from hospitals for increased hygiene and circulation of fresh air. Better surface designs Surfaces and materials that are used within offices will also be revaluated as design looks toward antimicrobial surfaces and furnishings that will be easy to sanitize and maintain on a regular basis but still be cost effective. Tenants will also demand more from their landlords in terms of standards maintained and spaces that can be regularly cleaned. Rise of technology Technology will be omnipresent be it meetings, conferences, clarifying simple doubts, cloud-based applications and collaborative working. It will cut down time spent commuting, discussing, negotiating, sending assets back and forth and will lead to faster outcomes depending on the extent to which organizations leverage technology.

Distributed offices For some, a single large headquarters may not be economically viable for the resilience that is being looked for in the future. We may see distributed offices, opting for coworking spaces or being spread out across locations so as to achieve more balance when it comes to managing occupancy and work in times of crisis or even just providing locations that are easier to commute to. Employee health The threat of this disease will transform society and all its methods drastically. For the time being, there will be aggressive lookouts for employees who feel even mildly unwell. Regular temperature checks, deep sanitation and extreme social distancing within offices will be the foreseeable future till a vaccine or cure is developed. High-performance buildings In future, high-performance buildings which maximize the efficiency of all components of the building and workspace such as productivity, efficiency, air quality etc. will yield better results.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

The investment in these buildings will be incrementally more but the result will see better productivity, lower attrition, and better performance all around. How will the designs of future workplaces look like? This is no time to look back. COVID-19 is presenting us with an unprecedented opportunity to improve the workplace and make it something better than before. This should be a time for growth and change and perhaps a different vision for the future rather than just a return to the past. The message today should be one of progress and not regression. Instead of striving for normalcy, this should be a time to step back and decide whether “returning to normal” is really our best alternative. We have a rare opportunity to be better, instead of nostalgic. We should embrace a future that is adaptive and not restorative.

An Opportunity to Work Differently For decades, the success of workplace design was based on efficiency and density. The equation was simple: the more people, the more effort; the more effort, the more money. The first objective was to warehouse employees; everything else was secondary. COVID-19 has taught us that we can work differently. The remote worker is no longer the exception as much as it is the rule. We have learned that we have the capacity to accept change and, in fact, grow. It is the time to take this knowledge and understand how it can make our workplace more effective and, as a result, more profitable. This new sense of freedom has exposed alternative ways to collaborate virtually, which will continue to be refined with greater demand. We also realize that some individuals enjoy the rigor and structure of the office environment. The camaraderie and socialization of the office environment is optimum for their productivity. As part of this new reality, we must be prepared to empower and strengthen both experiences without either feeling compromised. The workplace will never be eliminated, but it can be enhanced We can embrace the best possible remote technology solutions for collaboration, mentorship, team building, camaraderie, and culture. We should be examining ways to eliminate the barriers and create strategies that allow us to share ideas more freely and collaborate more easily.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

This is no time to look back. COVID-19 is presenting us with an unprecedented opportunity to improve the workplace and make it something better than before

The Workplace as a Portal The physical manifestation of the offices could evolve into a portal, reflecting the culture and nature of the organization. Our workspaces will become the embodiment of our work and our process, instead of a vast array of desks, print stations and coffee bars. The actual physical workplace experience will become the gold standard of how we should work, offering shared environments that are cherished rather than dismissed. This experience should encourage us to develop a workplace of the future built around how we come together meaningfully as an organization. The workplace needs well-designed, unique collaborative spaces that are flexible and adaptable. It should utilize technology in a multitude of different ways to bring us together rather than separate or segregate us. Moving Forward We are seeing the future of the workplace as bright and not diminished; more specialized and less ambiguous. Some may choose to downsize based on the percentage of remote workers; some may upsize depending on actual need and future goals rather than a desire to warehouse desks. We will see decentralization of the workplace bringing the office to the people rather than the expectation of the entire staff to commute to one centralized location. We have an opportunity to be better and to live more productive and rewarding lives, if we make the right choices today. What kind of material will design teams focus more on Post Covid-19? The Virus due to its heaviness, falls onto surfaces quickly. This infectious virus survives outside the human body on materials such as metals, glass, and plastics for hours. The infection behaves differently on all surfaces. In this quarantine, we are rethinking our requirements and needs, along with the “new normal”: from green areas and gardens, exploitable rooftops, natural light, and ventilation, balconies, and terraces, minimal and wholesome indoor environments, transitional and filtered entrances, and more.

As designers we ask ourselves how we can create healthy, safe interiors with thoughtful surface and filtration selections. How we can have sanitized surfaces, without having to deep clean them regularly. In the short term, the focus is on ensuring people are safe. However, COVID-19’s long-term impact on materiality is still uncertain. Perhaps because of this uncertainty, Designers are looking for materials that naturally repel bacteria and germs. While copper and wood have long been known for their ability to kill bacteria and viruses, texture is equally important in materiality and will be a common consideration for nonmedical specification moving forward. Many designers are looking at materials with Texture that minimizes the surface area and does not allow bacteria to survive. Another approach that designers are exploring is minimizing high-touch surface areas altogether. Touchless doorways have been present at hospitals for many years, now we are seeing other industries incorporate sensors, motion-activated lights, and automated doors. Beyond surfaces, for the immediate future we need to consider one of the most prominent ways COVID-19 spreads—i.e. through the air. One of the biggest considerations we focus on when designing medical buildings is air circulation. When you are walking through a hospital, you will notice that it is very hard to detect any smells, due to the advanced rate at which air is being filtered in and out of the building. In the long term, we will see more systems like this being utilized in market sectors beyond the health-care industry. Given that the traditional construction cycle can take as long as three years, installing enhanced air filters (as opposed to a brand-new filtration system) is the biggest improvement designers can implement right now without doing a major redesign. What we have learned is that attention to detail in materiality is such an important part of the health and safety of a space. It’s our time to shine, and by mindfully selecting the right properties of a material and pairing it with expertise in systems and filtration selections, we can be an advocate for our clients and help them design safe spaces for their end-users.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

EXPERT OPINION

How Retail and Coworking Spaces Will Take the Real Estate Sector to Next Level Post-Pandemic? Nandini Taneja, Vice President, ReachPro Group

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

T Nandini Taneja, a 39-year-old trailblazer, has been able to advance through her career by viewing the real estate industry from a wide lens to identify business drivers, understand complex issues, take actions and drive results. Her 15+ years of experience, resourcefulness and autodidacticism, has enabled her to explore opportunities and serve some of the leading organizations in the real estate domain. Nandini has taken up the position of Vice President at ReachPro Group. Her responsibilities range from lease management systems, streamlining the entire process of mall management from project completion to leasing strategy, execution, standardization of processes to customer engagement management, among other duties.

he Indian commercial real estate sector has emerged as a successful business over the past couple of decades. It has been driven by technology along with that, competitive office rentals have strengthened the market fundamentals which has resulted in robust growth. Amid the pandemic/testing times, the majority of the sectors has gone through immense change whether it is in customer, market behaviour or revenues. The retail sector is one of the sectors which has seen tremendous changes in terms of customer’s sentiments and behaviour. The traditional office spaces have taken a hit along with Co-working spaces due to the spread of the lethal virus. Now, what the future holds for retail and coworking spaces and the answer lies with the real estate sector. Real estate not only consisted of bricks, glass, mortar but also an enabler of wellbeing and existence. In amalgamation with technology, accelerated stockholder engrossment and tenant-friendly policies shall lead to a sustained recovery of the country’s realty sector. Retail realty and Coworking spaces will take the real estate to a higher/ new level post-pandemic. Technology will remodel the Retail sector. As we all are thumping towards normalcy, technology in the not so distant future will bridge the gaps between the markets, clients and consumers. The retail sector is going to alter its function with an end to end technological altercations in the market, advertisement and selling. It will lead to open up more enterprise businesses as the population is going for nocrowded malls and plazas. The E-commerce sector is expected to be involved in sustainable and innovative shopping experiences for its consumers. The retail sector is going to turn into the e-commerce sector which will result in taking up office spaces. Flex Spaces will Thrive Flex workspace means flexible workspace which conforms to the needs of whoever is using it. It is a space that is created to support employees whose work and focuses change from time to time. The flexible workspace comes with meeting rooms, entertainment zone, cafes. Accompanying these, newer

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

developments are coming out in a planned way which attracts retail business owners and enterprises. The opportunity of opening more flex spaces sounds beneficial for real estate as well as for the retail sector. Small or bigger enterprises can take up the spaces according to their needs and workforce in order to meet the demand and supply change. The world needs everything online nevertheless, it does not lessen the importance of having a space for goods and products and workforce. High-rent yielding coworking spaces have already gone forward with more business and now demand is going to increase because the retail is going to take up.

Managed coworking spaces with supporting retail will add a new business angle to the overall commercial office market space

Reboot, Reimagine and Regain the super mantra Rebooting the whole retail business is going to be a tough job nevertheless, it is going to start anew and metamorph traditional shopping into something more personalised shopping for customers. There is going to be a demand for common space with an open sky with different access to every showroom. In upcoming years, large-format of the shopping centres like malls and plazas will go forward with the automation technology with AI components while the retail sector will opt-out for more customised shops to give customers personalised experiences. Now, the retail sector is not just limited to high street open sky shopping and customer experiences but also going to join in hands with Co-working spaces.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

Managed coworking spaces with supporting retail will add a new business angle to the overall commercial office market space. Outsourced workspaces will be in fashion The traditional office has its own importance in the corporate world henceforth, companies will work on revamping the spaces according to the postCOVID 19 norms while opting for the option of outsourced spaces like meeting rooms, space for staff, private cubicles. Health and hygiene will take priority and office spaces will be redesigned for the post-covid world. As companies are seeking infrastructure status to coworking spaces, it will be easier for real estate to take the task of investing in such spaces. As Coworking is going to be the new normal along with that, it is going to play a vital role in economic growth, ready to take up a magnificent chunk of commercial real estate. The growing demand for collaborative open and flexible spaces will be able to encourage corporate giants to go forward with coworking workspaces. It is safe to say that in the near future, managed workspaces with safety precautions, safe distancing will be in more demand. In the initial years of coworking spaces, start-ups, small enterprises and freelancers were the key clients. Now, when time has changed, large enterprise clients have escalated to the concept of flex spaces as the profits of flexibility with lease papers, more saving in terms of lower capital expenditure and services could be customised at the different price lists. Reshaping of Developers and buyer relationship Due to COVID-19, scores of business owners and employees are going through a hard time and in this critical situation, real estate has changed its approach towards realty business. Adoption of technology by the real estate developers like 3D- site walkthrough, online documentation and support has given the ease to the buyers in this pandemic period. The power gained through technology is definitely going to reshape the relationship between buyers and developers. Real estate enables our lifestyle to the core and the future lies in it as norms and conventional methods of business and consumerism are changing rapidly and in the long run, real estate, retail sector and coworking spaces together are going to change the commercial office market spaces.

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LEADER’S INSIGHTS

UNDERSTANDING THE AESTHETICS OF WINDOWS IN WORKSPACES Nitin Mehta, Executive Director, ALCOI Nitin Mehta is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of ALCOI, one of

India's leading suppliers of eco-friendly high–performance fenestration solutions. With his futuristic outlook and innovative leadership, Nitin has led the growth of ALCOI into an industry leader in the realm of premium fenestrations. Under his leadership, ALCOI has transformed into a one–stop solutions provider for the design, manufacturing, installation and servicing of precision–engineered fenestration systems in India and abroad.

How important are windows in any structural unit? How does it elevate the workspace experience? In architecture, fenestration is defined as the design and arrangement of openings in a building’s facade or envelope. Depending on their size, the area and placement, fenestrations can significantly alter the perception of space and enhance aesthetics. For instance, a strategically

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

placed opening or window can increase natural ventilation and daylighting, reduce the need for indoor lighting and lower the need for mechanical systems for cooling. They can also be used for passive solar heating and or reducing the need for air-conditioners or heating devices. Fenestrations cover a wide range of design elements such as doors, windows, skylights, glazing and curtain walls, etc. and can be

A SIGNIFICANT TREND IN ARCHITECTURE TODAY FOCUSES ON FENESTRATION SYSTEMS THAT ARE MINIMAL IN DESIGN AND FACADES THAT FEATURE AN ALL-GLASS AESTHETIC

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

56 Nitin Mehta

one of the most notable features of the building. Whilst they are usually viewed as an aesthetic element, fenestrations play an important role and can affect the thermal performance of a building. They also play a major role in setting the tone of workspaces, defining the external appearance of a structure and can impact the functionality of the building. It is not just the thermal performance that must be considered, but the installation process and materiality should be kept in mind as well. Aluminium windows are a lightweight fenestration solution that offer superior quality and strength. They can be cut and fabricated to specific shapes and sizes, and provide all-weather protection. How do you ensure aesthetics when designing workspaces? ALCOI is dedicated to fulfilling client aspirations of achieving the maximum outputs while ensuring

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

aesthetics. Aesthetics form one of the most important aspects to be considered when selecting the design and equipment for window systems for workspaces. The fenestration material that one chooses is directly related to the design, functionality and longevity of the building and the interior spaces. The core structural composition, interior material, finishes and external cladding contribute to the appearance, structural stability and performance of the window systems. Other aspects that must be considered include the nature of end-use and the location of glazing for the selection of glass. A significant trend in architecture today focuses on fenestration systems that are minimal in design and facades that feature an all-glass aesthetic. Technologies such as wood fiber-polymer composites for clean, minimal lines mimic the natural beauty of wood. High-density fibreglass exteriors and aluminium interiors ensure a modern

aesthetic and the ability to achieve high performance in extreme climate geographies. The advancements in technology to engineer, manufacture and finish those products have kept pace with the demands of the consumers.

WITH INCREASED COMFORT LEVEL AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY, WORKSPACES CAN BECOME MORE PRODUCTIVE AND SMOOTH-RUNNING IN THE FUTURE

How are the factors that make ALCOI unique? ALCOI is one of India’s leading suppliers of environmentfriendly and high-performance fenestration systems. The company is a one-stop solutions provider for designing, manufacturing, installing and servicing of precisionengineered residential and commercial fenestration systems for homeowners, contractors and architects. Leading the forefront of green construction, ALCOI provides fenestration solutions in the commercial, residential, and hospitality sector. Our wide range of design systems extend from curtain walls, slim sliding systems, pivot, tilt & turn, casement, sliding folding available in aluminium. With an in-depth knowledge of the Indian industry, and a focus on architectural finesse and user-centric design, ALCOI has revolutionized the industry through a unique ‘systems’ concept and has been recognised as a building envelope specialist providing solutions throughout a project's cycle. Following are some features that create a benchmark for usComposite window system: This system is made up of sliding, fixed and casement panels in its single window system. All the fixed, sliding and casement features are an integral part of the ALCOI Window System and can be installed as one unit. Covered Track: This is on the outside and inside of the window. ALCOI has introduced a cover track so that dust does not settle on the tracks and to cover exposed profile grooves for better aesthetics. Concealed Weep Holes: Weep holes are designed to be in concealed locations because plastic cover parts are no longer required; moreover, they give a clean and refined finish. Flush Look: There is a flushed outer frame that gives a uniform look as there is an option to conceal it from the inside and outside. Reinforced Mullion: Reinforced mullion is provided to withstand higher wind pressure with an option of slim and classic interlock mullions. Screwless corner cleat: ALCOI provides an aluminium corner cleat that connects the horizontal profile with the vertical profile without screws. Multipoint locking: Multipoint locking by inlaid locks integrated into the lateral upright without any visual fixation. Multiple designs and coloured handle options with or without cylinder key locking operation. The sliding

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

Shutter is provided two-point locking with cylinder key locking operation. Anti lift plug: ALCOI provides this accessory against theft guards and absorbs the shutter impact over the outer frame. SS 304/ Aluminium (Mill finish) rail: ALCOI provides SS or aluminium rail to maintain the lustre of the rails and keep them durable for a longer period. It offers smooth sliding movement due to INOX sliding tracks, shutters provided with self-adjusting double nylon or SS rollers and theft guards.

How does ALCOI create sustainable fenestration to make workspaces future-ready? We pride ourselves on having the expertise to develop site-specific solutions that meet modern-day expectations and lifestyle, by developing premium fenestration solutions that are sustainable, and positively impact people and their surroundings. Sustainability is an essential aspect of the new age construction. Materials such as aluminium that are recyclable are an excellent option for frames and work better when combined with energy-efficient glass. For an architectural project being conceptualised from scratch, the correct orientation can augment the building's sustainability values while placing a window. The right kind of window placement and fixing will also further help reduce the costs of building energy. An easier way of determining the suitable materials can be looking out for NFRC and Energy Star labels. They can help analyse the solar transmission, light transmission and air leakage of the window product, thus making it easier to choose environmentally friendly materials. At ALCOI, we are constantly developing new and innovative methods to improve the energy performance of our products. We are committed to providing ecofriendly fenestration systems for sustainable habitats. What is the future of Fenestration? How does it contribute to the future of workspaces? Sustainability is an essential aspect of the new age construction. Today, fenestrations are continuously being developed into the ‘fenestrations of tomorrow’. Architects and designers are driven towards designing and installing dynamic façades to enhance aesthetic values but at the same time taking measures for improving the overall energy performance of buildings. The concern for the environment is raising the bars of thinking about the future of façades where environmental sustainability is of utmost importance. Eco-friendly and

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

sustainable design is not an aesthetic concept anymore, but it is the only way to design for the future. Sustainable fenestration solutions at workspaces can easily be incorporated using double glazed windows to insulate the interior spaces, thereby reducing the overall energy consumption. It is essential to note that highperformance windows with new technologies such as special coatings, air-tight construction, nonconductive framing materials, etc. can account for a huge difference in creating sustainable spaces. Materials such as aluminium that are recyclable are an excellent option for frames and work better when combined with energyefficient glass. The right kind of window placement and fixing will also further help reduce the costs of building energy. An easier way of determining the suitable materials can be looking out for NFRC and Energy Star labels. They can help analyse the solar transmission, light transmission and air leakage of the window product, thus making it easier to choose environmentally friendly materials. With increased comfort level and energy efficiency, workspaces can become more productive and smooth running in the future. Offering a steady increase of daylight and solar energy utilization and control, fenestrations are fast becoming a necessary ‘climate screen’ for workspaces to effectively conserve energy and enhance the performance of employees. Elaborate on your design approach. How do you combine science, color, and craftsmanship in your design? ALCOI stepped into the Indian market through a unique ‘systems’ concept and has been recognised as a building envelope specialist providing solutions throughout a project's cycle. The systems are conceptualised through a nuanced design approach rooted in ‘Science, Colour and Craftsmanship’. The production constitutes state-of-the-art European machinery and specialised in-house design and development of Aluminium Building Systems The design creates the exceptional, where Science and Art break to create seamless boundaries, blurring the fine line between the indoor and the outdoor. ALCOI has the capacity to design and provide engineering solutions for a variety of fenestration projects. With our commitment to eco-friendly and energy efficient solutions, ALCOI’s systems are conceptualized through a combination of engineering and a nuanced sense of design. Our products have uniquely powerful design elements that meet changing demands like safety, heat and noise insulation of smart buildings and residences.

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Higher Education Digest October 2020

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

EXPERT OPINION

How have Startup Strategies Changed in Office Work Culture? Neha Agarwal, Founder, Digi Acai

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

Neha Agarwal is a Mompreneur, SEO pioneer and Digital Marketing Specialist with over 11 years of experience with brands like Jabong, IGP.com, Heads Up For Tails, and POPxo. In January 2020, she started a Digital Marketing Agency- Digi Acai. Neha thrives to work with small brands to contribute toward developing them into well-known establishments. Taking up new ventures is her passion. She aims to use the positive side of social media to boost well-deserving brands to their highest potential.

he COVID-19 lockdown offered startups a good opportunity to strategize a lot of concepts from their business. During the pandemic lockdown, the concept of work from home got popular. Several sectors adapted to the change quite well. According to recent research, there are 12% of people would like to get back to the office instead of working from home. Many are not in favor of going back to the office for work as they got comfortable and felt safe with the WFH concept. Post relaxation of lockdown startups is planning to resume work from the office with different strategies. Startup founders need to do a detailed strategizing activity. Startup founders should identify a few things that should be considered for employees' good. Companies are going to notice changed people who need to be tackled in a very different way. Life would not be the same ever again. Companies will see the more considerate and kind conditions to deal with. It's going to be a startup with a more personal approach that will win and not the one that concentrates on performances. The startup founders need to understand how to keep these things together, resume work in the office, keeping social distancing, and managing costs. We need to accept that the change in the way we used to work earlier and make work at home a way of life again. Maintain Distance We have to make sure there is no crowding at the workspaces. We need to ensure that only 30 to 50% of the workspace is occupied and plan which employees need to come to work in the first place, even post relaxation of the lockdown. Furthermore, other employees can continue to work from home. Also, rosters can be created in which a certain number of employees can be teamed up and can come in at certain times, complete their work, and leave. So all of these will have to be taken into consideration and planned out so that work from the office can be managed. The clarity is important as it will help the startup to cut the cost in various ways like maintain social distancing in a smaller space and lower cost.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

Health is Wealth With that, certain things are non-negotiable during this period. So every company irrespective of its size will have to follow a few norms to secure the health of the employees coming back to work post lockdown, such as testing, sanitizing of the office, have a backup doctor available during the working hours. We need to cut costs at the same time our employees should be our priorities.

Many startup founders understood that by going digital, they could not just save money, but could also reach clients they weren’t approaching

Relax and Work A startup includes a lot of fun elements therefore it should be included in the strategies by the founders. Every startup planning to resume work from the office should include games or sessions in which the employees can relax and retain their energy like before. Those sessions should be informative at the same time comforting while maintaining social distance like make washing hands fun and a way of life rather than a duty. These small sessions will encourage them to come back to the office and work with energy and a lot of fun. Optimize Virtual Meetings Industry events shifted to the virtual mode in 2020 because of the pandemic. Due to health

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

issues, in-person gatherings were closed due to safety concerns. Heading into 2021, the in-person meetings could start to pivot back toward the end of the year, but it probably won’t go back to the way it was earlier. Virtual meetings are proving to be more creative than was predicted. Many startup founders understood that by going digital, they could not just save money, but could also reach clients they weren’t approaching. Also, a fewer public gatherings will help us to keep our employees safe during these unprecedented hours. Equitable Growth The Post-pandemic period could prove to be profitable for some sectors. In India, financial institutions are concentrating on financial enclosure across the country, whereas in western countries, the concentration is on a comprehensive workforce and broaden horizons. This pandemic could be a channel of growth for some companies. The new startups coming up post the pandemic should provide better access to their employees in terms of medical benefits, financial plans, and other important schemes. This could encourage major societal changes and vital reforms. Treat talent as your scarcest resource Employees are the most precious asset for a startup. The fundamental principle behind this view is that a leader’s most essential task is to arrange, guide, and motivate a collection of employees to do something better. This means acquiring the right person for the right roles to construct value, and this is too imperative to leave to an opportunity. Talent should highlight every strategic option and other business choices you are making currently. Startups that fail to notice the importance of their employees will always miss the beneficial perspective of what their colleagues might have been skilled. They will fail to get the most out of the opportunities that inexorably arise from this situation. These have to be well-strategized efforts to make sure that while we open up our agencies, we take every possible step to curtail the impact of a pandemic on employees plus making sure their well-being and safety.

CXO OUTLOOK Higher Education Digest July 2019 2021 December October January 2020

LEADER’S INSIGHTS

INCLUSION OF LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY AT THE WORKPLACE Prawal Kalita, Practice Leader - Employee Health & Benefits, Marsh India

According to Pride Research survey conducted by ACKO and YouGov in June 2021, only 2 out of every 5 Indian Parents said that they would be supportive if their child was part of the LGBTQ+ community. Also, a study done by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) found that 46% of LGBTQ workers say they are closeted at work. Many corporates are, increasingly, taking efforts to create a workplace that reflects its core values of embracing and supporting true diversity. Prawal Kalita, Practice Leader - Employee Health & Benefits, Marsh India. on Challenges that LGBT employees are facing at workplace, trends observed in India on adoption of cover for LGBTQ+ employees and much more.

What are the significant challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community at the workplace or while working from home? The challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community at the workplace may potentially include discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, discomfort and hostility with having to tolerate inappropriate

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

questions and exclusion. A non-inclusive workplace may force individuals to conceal their orientation and identity, leading to lower selfesteem, stress and lower productivity, impacting their career progression eventually. Overall under-representation of LGBTQ+ community in the workforce further adds to the anxiety and isolation.

THE FOUNDATION OF ANY CORPORATE INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY DEPENDS ON HOW MUCH THE ORGANISATION UNDERSTANDS THE CHALLENGES FACED BY THE COMMUNITY AT THE WORKPLACE

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

About Prawal Kalita

Prawal is the Practice Leader, Employee Health & Benefits at Marsh India, and leads Mercer Marsh Benefits (MMB) in India. His experience in co-founding and managing successful business enterprise with focus on innovation led best practices and extensive experience has enabled him to lead large specialist teams in employee benefits. With a consultative client centric approach, Prawal partners the large strategic client relationship of MMB in India and supports the client engagement team with thought leadership and insights to ensure a superior client experience. A management graduate with over 20 years of experience in Insurance Broking, Prawal has emerged as a specialist in Health & Benefits, Consulting, Communication, Benefit Technology, Global Expat- International Benefits and Pensions.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

What measures should be taken to support the LGBTQ+ community and enhance their experience at workplaces? What major changes will be seen at workplaces post-pandemic? The foundation of any corporate initiative to support the LGBTQ+ community depends on how much the organisation understands the challenges faced by the community at the workplace. Organisational policies around Diversity and Inclusions (D&I) should focus on promoting an inclusive culture and providing a safe work environment. Educating and training employees and managers on inclusion is the key to creating an inclusive environment and ensuring the policies come alive at our workplace. Next, companies should look at how to embed inclusion in true spirit through talent acquisition, retention and career progression decisions. Lastly, visible support by the organisation and encouraging employees to demonstrate such support in the workplace forums and meetings through campaigns. This will foster solidarity and go a long way to build a truly diverse and inclusive workplace. Companies are increasingly hiring more diverse talent pools, making changes in the benefit policies to make them more inclusive and we expect this to continue even post the pandemic as there is a realisation that millennials would prefer an organization that is inclusive in all aspects. What is the scenario of Employee health insurance for the LGBTQ+ community in India? Are there any policies or covers, which specifically includes or excludes the community? Insurance companies extend the coverage to employees irrespective of their orientation. While Employee health insurance policies do not discriminate between LGBTQ+ and nonLGBTQ+ employees for general illnesses, there is an emerging trend of companies going back to drawing boards to have special provisions to cater to the unique needs of LGBTQ+ employees. • Coverage of same-gender partners is now prevalent in many corporates.

• Support for gender reassignment surgeries and ancillary procedures such as voice modulation, hormone replacement therapy and outpatient consultations for medical and psychological support are some examples of how health insurance programs can be curated to make them progressive and responsive to such needs. • Addressing reproductive needs is another area we find gaining attention and this can include artificial modes of reproduction such as IVF, surrogacy, egg/ sperm donation, embryo freezing etc. to support family planning. How is the perspective of Indian corporates different from Global corporates towards the LGBTQ+ Community? With the scrapping of Section 377 of the IPC, which decriminalized same-gender sexual relationships, a rising number of Indian companies have started looking at gender and sexual orientation best practices, and this has led to a heightened awareness about special requirements. Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 that talks about the creation of third gender in all legal provisions including the private employment sector have also pushed organisations to take cognisance of the same. Aside from the legal framework that supports the community, there is also a lot of focus on an inclusive workplace due to the rewards & recognition attached to it by various workplace evaluations thus bringing forth visibility, and resulting in talent attraction and retention. While progress in India has been slow, we do consider an

acknowledgement of the need to respond to this as a good beginning. With more public advocacy and corporates coming together through various support networks, we do believe that the pace of change will gain more momentum in time to come.

Workplace equality is emerging to be a strategically important workforce topic in India and we do believe that the D&I landscape will change over time across all sectors of the economy

What is the trend observed in India on the adoption of cover for LGBTQ+ employees? Some organizations have set positive examples by publishing gender-neutral job profiles, providing gender-neutral washrooms, paid leave, medical benefits, and health insurance. Other workplaces also offer regular counselling sessions, support groups and have adopted different diversity strategies. Tell us about sectors that have seen an uptick in terms of opting for insurance that covers the LGBTQ+ Community. While we do see an increasing trend across most sectors in recognising the need to have a more LGBTQ+ friendly policy, we do see more discussions and adoption in IT-ITeS, High Tech, E-Commerce and Global Captives and BFSI companies. Workplace equality is emerging to be a strategically important workforce topic in India and we do believe that the D&I landscape will change over time across all sectors of the economy. The pace of change may vary, depending on sociodemographic profiles of the organisation and how much organisation realise the strategic importance of such initiatives.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

EXPERT OPINION

Facilities Management Integral to Any Work Culture Pradeep Lala, MD and CEO, Embassy Services Private Ltd

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

Pradeep Lala is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Embassy Services since 2013. In a short span of time, he has taken Embassy Services to become one of the largest business units within the Embassy Group. He began his career at Ingersoll Rand where he worked for over 14 years. In early 2000, he founded the Horizon Group to become their channel partner for the Indian region. He then worked tirelessly to establish a strong leadership for the firm which continues to scale new heights independently.

uch around the conversation on work modules, what is most certain is that office spaces are here to stay. As organizations indulge in a hybrid model exploring work from home and the office, this seems to be the best foot forward with current ambiguities of a third wave coming in. While this will delay a transition back to physical workspaces, seeing ourselves in prepandemic routines is bound to happen. Until then, a work culture based on trust and a proclivity for sincerity is one to embrace in the current situation. Although work modules are rather subjective and a decision in progress, the role of the Facility Management is explicit and integral to a business regardless of this decision. The FM teams need to be prepared for all uncertain situations that embed themselves into the new working modules. Be it preparing the workspace for a 100% occupancy, tweaking existing schedules basis a fluctuating occupancy, or managing critical infrastructure even when there is no occupancy, the role endows critical actions that ensure seamless business continuity. Among the plethora of tasks, cleaning and hygiene protocols, IAQ (indoor air quality) and security & surveillance top the list of priorities for a safe transition back to the workspace. These in addition to accelerated interest of organizations in areas of ESG (Environment, Social and Governance), Risk Management, and Compliance. The role of FM in supporting businesses to achieve these evolved practices of property management is paramount. Fluctuating occupancy rates require flexible services: A large chunk of FM work is highly dependent on the occupancy levels at a facility. Many parameters are pre-set based on consumption patterns fixed on occupancy. In a flexible workspace, the supply of utilities will require a planning basis of a fluctuating number which might get complex. It is like organizing an event where you are unsure how many guests would show up. FM Managers will use the help of technology to determine the average occupancy and deploy necessary measures. Workplace management tools like pre-booking meeting rooms, pre-set rosters, pre-booking of workstations, food services, etc. help ease this issue. FMs having experience with

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

co-working spaces that thrive on this work model would find it easier to deploy measures for a flexible workforce.

Ensuring a safe and secure facility for everyone: People are more hygiene conscious than ever today. The health and wellbeing of employees is the primary concern of employers. FMs play an important role in ensuring a hygienic environment through stringent sanitation and disinfection, using certified and effective chemicals. The FM workforce also has the added responsibility of ensuring selfsafety while they safeguard others. It requires added measures, complacent training, and strict audits. The use of PPEs and following SOPs furthers a compliant, hence safe workforce. AI-driven and cloudintegrated thermal screening devices help a great deal by reducing human interaction at gates and lobbies. An automated setup ensures lesser risk for security personnel. It also proves a quality surveillance measure for large business parks where thousands of people transit every day. QR code-based attendance/ visitor management systems, contactless elevators, food vending machines, sensor-based taps and dispensers, etc. are few provisions that reduce the risk by contact transmissions.

Conclusion Any work culture that embraces productivity, safety, and retention is worth delving upon. It is indeed subjective as to how different environments drive the productivity of people across various professions. Understanding this and providing the required infrastructure and support for employees to further their goals is an employers' responsibility. That being said, the infrastructure and environment the office provides can never be replaced. With grave dangers to data security in a ‘work from home’ setup, and dependable infrastructure predominant in the physical workspace, it is indeed the more workable and dependable work format organizations can thrive on. The office also represents the culture of an organization. It would be rather difficult to bestow organization values and culture in a setup connected through virtual platforms. Moreover, making business relationships with clients and stakeholders would always require an address that displays the exuberance of the office. These are the notions that have helped the commercial office sector evolve and transform to drivers of economic growth. Beyond these, we also have added responsibilities as citizens driving the micro economy. There are multiple businesses dependent on an office going culture. We cannot ignore this. It is important to weigh them in on our decisions as well. Especially around large business parks, there are ample small support businesses that thrive only on the working population, and the effects of the pandemic have been devastating on this front. Only the return to the office can recoup this sector which consists of a majority of our population. While most certainly the priority for people at the moment is safety, we all need to look at things from a holistic perspective, taking into account the needs of the employer, the employee, and the people around us. Together, we can thrive.

It would be rather difficult to bestow organization values and culture in a setup connected through virtual platforms

Maintaining 100% uptime of servers and critical infrastructure: Regardless of where employees are working out of, the entire cyberinfrastructure of a business is located safe within the office. As an FM, it is a responsibility to monitor the temperature and humidity of the server rooms and maintain 100% uptime of energy for these resources. This requires organizations to always lease a space that can ensure a secure environment without which business continuity can be at high risks. This is an extremely critical area which ensures the requirement of an office space.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

No matter where you decide to go in India, you’ll find something incredible. And right next to that, you’ll find us. Safe and sanitised stays, waiting to host you. So pack up your bags, dust those boots, come to an OYO near you.

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CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

ARCHITECT’S VIEW

Design Trends to Watch Out for in the New Normal at Workspaces Pritika Singh, Founder, Mohh

Founded in 2020, by Delhi-based entrepreneur, Pritika Singh, Mohh believes in delivering superior quality, modern and fresh designs inspired from trends and phenomena from across the world, which invoke a sense of happiness in you and extend your personality to any space.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

fter more than a year of work from home, most offices are considering a staggered opening with the rise in vaccination rates and fall in the number of Covid-19 cases. However, there’s a greater realisation that the existing office layout, space or design cannot be the norm and newer design trends are being adopted. Some design trends which align with our new normal and will be trending in the coming future are – Resimercial Design Stepping into an industrial office after a year plus of remote working would strip away the comfort employees now expect from their office. A mix of residential with commercial design, aptly titled resimerical design, will see a rise. Achieved easily by adding softer furnishings such as rugs, coffee tables, comfortable couches, artwork, and ergonomics with lighter colours seating can strike a balance between seriousness and casual enough. The amalgamation of features from home and office helps to foster creativity, positivity and calmness thereby creating a best of both worlds solution. Open Floor Plan Meets Pods Pre-pandemic there was a rise in proper spatial planning in offices and an even greater emphasis will be placed on it now. To ensure safety of employees, social distancing norms will still have to be maintained and a new trend which seamlessly blends into this ethos is the office pod. A semi-enclosed space, perfect for 1-2 people will become the new norm in most offices whether it’s for working, taking video calls or having quick strategizing conversations. It’s a miniature workspace affording privacy and comfort to get the work done

As we become more conscious of mental health, management will be mindful to create physical spaces which help employees give their very best

Integration of Technology While technology has been effervescent in all workplaces for years now, we’ll see

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

it adapt to the new working conditions. An advent of touchless technology will take greater precedence with voice commands, wireless systems for presentations, video conferences etc. QR code scanning for visitors and employees alike will be a step forward to minimise the touching of surfaces. Smarter solutions to ensure social distancing, regular sanitisations, mask wearing, fever checks may also become the norm to create an environment of safety for all employees returning to office.

areas to relax where employees across ranks can collaborate and spend some down time during the working hours. As we become more conscious of mental health, management will be mindful to create physical spaces which help employees give their very best.

A mix of residential with commercial design, aptly titled resimerical design, will see a rise

Glass Partitions are Back The erstwhile partitions which had become a trend of the past will be more of a necessity at this point. However, the incorporation of it this year onwards will be more design focused making by using glass instead of the solid partitions which will help to maintain the illusion of an open office while affording that added layer of privacy as well as protection. The easy to clean feature of glass partition is an added bonus and the availability of them in different colours make it a quirky part of the interior while allowing light to still flow through the office.

Focus on Wellbeing at Office The importance of the wellbeing of your human resources is a burgeoning conversation as we slowly navigate this pandemic. To foster an environment of productivity as well as happiness in the work space, we’ll see an advent of green areas indoors along with natural light, open spaces, dedicated

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

Air it Out An upgraded ventilation system will be the focal point of all layouts and designs of every office which will be complemented with minimalism making a comeback in the interiors of an office. Lesser surfaces to touch and clean will be the main motivation behind it and a less crowded workplace will also bring a sense of serenity as everyone slowly makes their way back to the office. The return of minimalism doesn’t necessarily mean clinical design, but rather a variation of it which is warm and inviting

Flexible Furniture This trend, besides being helpful in maintaining social distancing, also adds an element of cool. Wheel around desks, standing as well as sitting desks, movable screens, modular seating and easy to reconfigure pieces will help to transform board rooms, workstations etc and will definitely see a rise in the coming years. Offices are poised to adapt to the new normal by giving due importance to the physical space of work and how it impacts the mental and physical well-being of their employees! The above trends will surely play a huge role in making offices trendy as well as ready to open in these trying times.

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EXPERT OPINION

How Digitalisation Eased the Pandemic for Small Businesses Rajesh Subramanian, Founder, Ghoshak

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

Rajesh Kumar Subramanium is an ex-Amazon and exSAP product and software developer with a rich experience of 15 years in the industry. He led a team at Amazon that built applications for consumer facing electronic products such as Kindle and Alexa. Currently, Rajesh leads the product development of Ghoshak.

emanth used to open his store every day with the purpose of spreading happiness through his customised gifts offering. It is a small shop on the streets of Chennai and the primary source of earning for him. But then, the Pandemic hits, and the world goes under lockdown for an uncertain period. The fight against the virus starts, and so does the battle for earning a livelihood for many. Many small and medium sized business owners will resonate with this story. When the uncertainty looms, everything seems dark and gloomy. No one saw the Pandemic coming, businesses worldwide have been impacted, and SMBs are among the ones that have been hit in the gut. The impact was and still is enormous, but the people's resilience all over the world has been commendable. The never say die attitude still instills in us, but everyone needs a helping hand to sail through the storm. Ghoshak is a Saas-based platform helping more than 50k merchants to run their business digitally. The ascent in online business is requesting a change in conventional business strategies today. Small business owners are overpowered with online media and advanced media alternatives. Ghoshak assists independent ventures going digital and conducting their business efficiently through smartphones without putting resources into PCs, printers, and barcode readers. Thus, saving a lot on the overhead expenses. The Pandemic has changed the norm for most independent ventures. Furthermore, to quickly track their business recuperation, SMBs have progressively transformed to digitisation stage. The reception of digital channels has increased from 29% for small businesses before Covid to 47% in November 2020, as per a Crisil overview. For a business to transition from brick and mortar to a complete digital platform can be challenging. They need a seamless and ready-to-use platform to conduct their daily business operations, including billing, inventory, order taking, running offers & reward points, among others. Ghoshak’s technology is built in a way that a merchant can take his business online in just a few minutes. It is a ready-to-use platform that costs less than the cost of having monthly tea. Studies show that more than 75% SMBs perceive that going digital is essential for their business and survival in the long run. There is sufficient proof to show that a company's growth is directly proportional to digital adoption. Fortunately, SMBs in India get this and are quick to move forward with online adoption and digitize their everyday processes. We have witnessed a lot of budding small businesses during the pandemic. People are pivoting to secondary and permanent sources of income after the effects of the lockdown. This had led to a rise in many home bakers, jewelry artists, fast fashion, ceramics and pottery, home decor, and lifestyle-led small businesses. Therefore, SMBs are crucial for the country's economic growth as they contribute to nearly one third of India’s GDP. Digitisation is the only way for the SMB sector to rebound to their full potential.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

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Higher Education Digest CXO OUTLOOK February July 20212021

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Higher Education Digest CXO OUTLOOK February July 2021

LEADER’S INSIGHTS

UNDERSTANDING WORKPLACE OPERATIONS POST-PANDEMIC Vinit Dungarwal, Director, AMs Project Consultants Pvt. Ltd.

An innovative and performance-oriented leader with more than 15 years of experience, Vinit is the driving force behind the brand's growth and success and offers deep insights and proficiency in handling large-scale, multibusiness operations. He has a great risk-taking ability which motivated him to leave his cushy job to start AMs Projects Consultants Pvt. Ltd. when he was just 28 years old. A spiritual person at heart, he believes that discipline and hard work are key to success.

With lockdowns being lifted and people going back to their offices how would the workplaces be redesigned to support organizational priorities? Before the pandemic, it was hard to imagine people working sans an office. However, it has now become a part and parcel of the new normal. The office today is just one of the places that people go to work. Even with the lockdowns

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

easing in, ‘work from home’ will continue to be a part of the work culture. There will be more hybrid models that the organisations will be looking at and technology will continue to play a big part in enabling people to collaborate for work. The focus will remain on de-cluttering the office space. It will also mean that only essential people will be called to office. The aspect of

CRITICAL CHANGES IN WORKSTATION DESIGN HAVE TO BE INCORPORATED TO MAKE SURE THAT THE WORKPLACES ARE SAFE AND PRODUCTIVE

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

hygiene has taken centre stage popularity in the postpandemic phase and will continue to be an important element. Workplaces will have to ensure the highest level of hygiene at the entry, exit and every possible touchpoint. Organisations have also become more flexible in terms of design. Convenience is another aspect that is being given a lot more importance. Critical changes in workstation design have to be incorporated to make sure that the workplaces are safe and productive.

While organisations are thinking of ways of how they can limit the people in the office, they also have a big challenge in planning how the workspace should look like? What are some of the cost-effective things that organisations are contemplating and what trends do you see for the future? Organisations will have to rethink space optimisation and cost optimisation in this new normal. Technology will play a central role in enabling employees to return to office buildings and to work safely. Some companies have already started to experiment with the hybrid model of working and it will continue to be a part of our work life. Organisations are also exploring open offices that are more flexible. Rather than making fundamental changes that are irreversible, companies are looking for temporary provisions. In the pre-COVID time, organisations had the same design philosophy across the office. However, now they are looking for having a different approach based on the need of the business on each floor or unit. It is an evolving space at the moment and newer trends are emerging every day. What would be the changes that the workplaces have to make in regard to the material used inside the office to better suit this post-pandemic time? In this new normal, maintaining hygiene has become the most important aspect of design. Keeping this in mind, the organisations are adopting antimicrobial surfaces and material that is easy to sanitize, clean and maintain on a regular basis. Materials that are used in hospitals may now also be used in office spaces. Organisations are striving to have a “Pandemic compliance office space” which is easy to maintain and can provide a safe environment for work. To give an example, one earlier saw Soft Fabrics being used

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

IN THIS NEW NORMAL, MAINTAINING HYGIENE HAS BECOME THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF DESIGN

extensively in office space. However, one may have to do away completely with these as they are not easy to clean. Central air conditioning had become a standard in most large-sized offices. How would they ensure better circulation in these spaces? Will it be possible to this with a minimum overhaul? Even without the pandemic, the idea of maintaining Indoor Air Quality was gaining traction. It has now become the need of the hour. HEPA filters are being installed along with air conditioning to purify the air coming in. Initially, only hospitals and Pharma companies laid emphasis on indoor air quality but with the growing air pollution concerns a lot more organisations have started adopting this. We have recently completed a project where our learning of working closely with the healthcare sector had come in handy. There is also an emphasis on using paint that is low on VOC to have better indoor air quality. Organisations today are looking to add UV filters, HEPA filters and even switching to localised controlling. They are rethinking a lot of aspects and are also mindful of the cost. There are many different approaches that the companies can take and yes it can be done with minimum overhauling. However, to ensure the same one would have to plan everything in advance. How would companies work toward ensuring better hygiene in offices? There are multiple aspects that are being explored in this regard. In the time that we are in, hygiene needs to be maintained across the board. It is also essential to maintain it at every touchpoint. So every appliance, every entry/ exit and every work station needs to be cleaned and sanitized at a regular interval. Employers are also working towards raising awareness in regards to the best practices and how to maintain hygiene in the workplace. There are structured routes being mapped in some places to map the movement of people. So rather than taking any particular way to the workstation or zigzagging across the office, people will be required to follow a particular

circular route. Under this, employees will enter from one way and exit from another. In the coming time, we may also see far more automation in workplaces. For example, one may enter in the office building without having to touch any surface. Similarly we could have vending machines and taps that work on sensors rather than touch. Co-working spaces had gained popularity in the last couple of years. In this new normal, would people still opt for this? What do you think will be the trend? There are unprecedented times and organisations are not very sure of where things are headed. At this juncture, it makes practical sense to opt for co-working spaces. These setups help in fulfil the temporary requirement rather than locking in space for the long term. Not only do they help save rent or ownership cost but allow businesses the flexibility to ascertain where they are heading. The co-working spaces of today can be seen more as fully serviced offices that offer a range of facilities that include periodic cleaning, maintenance and ensuring a safe working environment for all. How has AMs has been functioning in the post pandemic world? Any significant achievements that you would like to share? While these are challenging times, but every challenge also provides an opportunity. At AMs, we have seized every opportunity that has come our way and that has helped us in strengthening our portfolio. In FY20-21 AMs has recorded a double digit growth. We have been able to press the refresh button during the pandemic. Our healthcare portfolio has been performing very well in the last one year. We have also been able to change with the changing time and our fusion solutions have enabled us to expand our client network. Given the times that we are in, we have also hired doctors as consultants to advise us on the design elements and ensure that we are able to offer the best in class solutions to all our clients.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

EXPERT OPINION

How has Technology Eased Remote Working? Sheshgiri Kamath, CEO & Co-founder, Kapture CRM

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

W Sheshgiri Kamath co-founded Adjetter in 2011 along with Vikas Garg and Pearl Tewari. This startup transformed into Kapture CRM in 2014. Prior to that, he was involved with via.com in a global role across india and south east asia and had stints with ITC and Manipal group. A commercial pilot by education, Football happens to be his big passion after sales. He believes that his recent role as a father to a 10 month old boy has brought a lot of interesting perspective to his entrepreneurial mindset, especially after 8 years into the journey.

hen the pandemic hit, no one was prepared for a remote-first work schedule. Businesses embraced the new normal and took innovative measures to adapt to a new work culture and shifted their entire infrastructure to a work-from-home setting. It definitely took some time to adapt to the ‘new’ work culture but with time, we have come to settle in the new routine. At first, it seemed difficult to create a WFH culture that functioned as a seamless in-premise working environment since people are usually used to resolving queries by talking to each other and the WFH environment did not provide them the opportunity to converse face-to-face. However, after a year of working from home, businesses including Kapture saw a significant increase in productivity, flexibility, improved communication amongst teams, and much more. The work from home culture clearly offered multiple benefits to both - businesses and employees and it was possible due to our technological advancement. Businesses were able to provide and create the same work environment in terms of infrastructure, communication, and work culture. The Adoption of Tech for Internal Teams Technology today, is deeply embedded in our everyday lives and has always been at the forefront of digital transformation. Further, an increasing number of businesses are harnessing the power of it. In 2021, multiple businesses including and specifically the customer centric organizations realized the importance of an Omni channel support for both customers and their employees. If your agents today have a faulty laptop/ battery/mouse, they can easily raise a ticket from their phones or systems. The system should be powerful enough to understand who is sending the query and to which department should it be allotted. This is where technology comes into the picture. It not only allows you to identify everything but also provides quick solutions, right from the comfort of your home. It is not as easy as visiting the IT department and getting it fixed instantly but it doesn't minimize the effectiveness of it, either.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

Multiple tools have successfully emerged to ease and support teams so they easily manage their work from home. Whether it’s a team collaboration tool, organizing online meetings, raising internal tickets, software for closer collaboration, etc. these are some of the effective tools that are here to stay.

A significant chunk of employees believe that the remote work environment has dearly helped them attain a decent Work-LifeBalance which was not possible otherwise and something that they had been struggling with How Remote Work is changing Remote Work is no longer an exclusive endeavor. Technology and a high speed WiFi connection has made work from home or rather work from anywhere, a more viable option. People today are seen pursuing remote work from say, a coffee shop, travel destination, co-working spaces, home-cumoffice (hybrid work model). As mentioned above, while some employees are working from home, others have taken this as an opportunity to travel and work. Whether solo or in a team, this new found flexibility of remote working has enriched the work teams to bond more.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

While everyone is working from different locations, important tools like the ‘offline mode’ have benefited employees, which enables them to upload, edit documents even without an active connection. Future of Remote Work AI has always been around and shall play a crucial role in facilitating remote work. A survey by Buffer stated “99% of the employees would like to work from home permanently.” This is how effective remote work is proving to be. Technological advancements might put the organizations at ease, however, managing long-term work from home can seem a little daunting at first, but with the right tools and tech, it can be a seamless process. In fact, a significant chunk of employees believe that the remote work environment has dearly helped them attain a decent Work-Life-Balance which was not possible otherwise and something that they had been struggling with. Conclusion With COVID having a massive impact on humanity, the prediction of the unforeseen - pandemics, natural disasters, global crises has become very difficult. But over the last 2 years, we have witnessed a common boon - Technology, which has perpetually kept us connected throughout and is also seen shaping and assisting every facet of business and organization to function without hassles. Prior to the pandemic, the conventional work from office culture was one of the most productive places to engage with customers and provide support to both the customers and teammates. The pandemic changed it, but the operations remained the same because of technical advancements and innovative measures. With the world gradually returning to normalcy and offices being reopened, transitioning back into a physical setting might pose a challenge for some.

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CXO OUTLOOK Higher Education Digest July 2021 October 2020

ARCHITECT’S VIEW

How will the Office Work Culture change in the ‘New Normal’? Rakhee Bedi, Founding Principal, Rakhee Shobhit Design Associates (RSDA)

Rakhee Bedi is the Founding Principal at Rakhee Shobhit Design Associates which is a multidisciplinary design firm delivering architecture, interior design and strategic services across India based in Gurgaon. In over more than 15 years, she has successfully designed and executed a diverse range of architectural and interior design projects in distinct fields of architecture. After completing her schooling from Loreto Convent, she followed her passion of creating beautiful spaces with happy memories by pursuing architecture. With a constant quest to learn and evolve with each project equips the practice with the skills necessary to deliver an enduring level of excellence from conception to completion.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

he unprecedented wave of Covid-19 has forced people to adopt new ways of working. Workspaces have to reinterpret their design typologies into recreating spaces that cater to the well-being and safety of the employee. The abrupt shift to remote working has now settled as an effective way to communicate and deliver work within the safety of our homes. Thus, it is now of utmost importance for companies to ensure similar safety guidelines and measures in order to build a more robust, more sustainable work environment. Reintegration of office spaces The first of many steps that all organizations have to take is to reimagine the workspace. Spatial layouts need to be re-structured— seating arrangements need to be looked at from a social-distancing point of view. Adapting work pods to linear configurations will prove to be effective in communication, while not compromising one's safety. Multifunctional Workplace In these changing times, companies should grab the opportunity to re-evaluate their work processes, take a step back and merge with the digital culture post-Covid. Designing spaces to be multifunctional can help the overall circulation of the office, thereby optimizing the work dynamic. Conference rooms can be re-envisioned to transform as casual spaces for group discussions during the absence of formal meetings; designing furniture and their placement can aid in the creation of such spaces in an office without taking up any additional space.

A well-planned approach to designing workspaces can ensure a seamless transition from remote to office working and enhancing user experience

Social spaces As many have found remote working to be more productive and with fewer employees working from the offices, the need for social spaces will be questioned, partly due to budgetary reasons. As designers, it is essential

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

UV light disinfectant systems, akin to the metal detectors commonly used at entry points, can facilitate the disinfection process at the entrance of workspaces

to relook at these spaces and design them as more of an interactive space for meaningful exchanges rather than keeping them as an open area. With offices slowly reopening, it is essential to create social spaces that can accommodate optimum collaboration and interactions, while remaining sufficiently apart from one another. Instead of a single breakout space, nooks and corners can be redesigned for single-use private corners to relax or attend official calls while not being distracted by the surroundings. A well-planned approach to designing workspaces can ensure a seamless transition from remote to office working and enhancing user experience. Receptions, waiting areas, and cafeteria spaces have to be relooked and designed in an orderly fashion that promises distance between employees and ensures effective communication. Safety is a prerequisite. Following safety guidelines, measures will have to be installed to ensure a hygienic environment. Presanitization zones can be delineated upon entering the office where people can dis-infect then proceed indoors. Ingress points in office buildings could be channeled through a tunnel that disinfects, before one enters the building. This system could be further engaged individually at a point right before entering the office. UV light disinfectant systems, akin to the metal detectors commonly used at entry points, can facilitate the disinfection process at the entrance of workspaces. Ventilation system Air filter systems have to be reconfigured on a commercial building level as well as floor-wise. With the contagion being able to spread through proximity, provisioning workspaces with fresh air filter systems may be the way forward. Apart from helping control the office's internal temperature and reducing air conditioner load, the regular purification of air will restrict the pollutant and germs outside, benefiting the coworkers. Contact-less options Implementing automation systems such as motion sensors, voice command activated systems, and application-based lighting control can help mitigate the spread of the virus. These kinds of digital systems will also help in a smooth workflow, ensuring seamless communication among peers.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

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EXPERT OPINION

Challenges and Evolution of Workplace as a Start-up Shivang Shah, Co-founder, Django Digital

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

T Shivang Shah is the co-founder of Django Digital, an integrated solutions agency that has been in operation since almost two years. In a day and age where the digital space is scattered with content, Django Digital is creating clutter-breaking solutions. It has transformed into one of the most promising agencies which is successfully bridging the gap between brands and ‘the right communication’. Shivang has been fortunate enough to merge his passion and career into a single path. His passion has always been about solving real world problems as well as business problems at scale. Having witnessed the immaculate shift in the influencer industry since its onset, it has been instrumental in the insights he has today. He started out my career working for larger agencies like Ogilvy & Mather where he managed critical accounts and then at Chttrbox, where he led the business development function.

here has been a fast-paced evolution of startups, especially since the onset of the pandemic. We have seen businesses dipping across industries; however, we have noticed how startups on the other hand are booming. Startups are a lot more flexible when it comes to adapting to the norms, which is why even with a dynamic workplace scenario, they are growing. This flexibility is playing a pivotal role in the evolution of startups today. In addition to that, the industry we see is highly cluttered; if one wants to grow, they need to cut through the noise and harp on their speciality. When the lockdown struck the country, I saw several companies have taken this challenge in their stride and evolved. As someone who has been running his own startup with a great team for almost 2 years, I understand the challenges that lie in growing as a company with your clients as well as your employees. I strongly believe in digital awakening, which is something I have even inculcated in my own agency. A hybridwork model is one where companies combine office as well as remote working. In my opinion, a hybrid work model is the future of workplaces across the world and I have been one of the early adopters of the same. While a hybrid culture could bring about challenges for most companies across industries, this has in fact been fruitful for startups. Another insight that I found is extremely important to share is that hiring professionals that are a unique combination of young + experienced can do wonders in turning the workplace into a seamless productive system. With a young workforce, startup workplaces haven’t had that many challenges when it comes to adopting technology and evolving because their retention is very strong. In fact, we've seen a lot of inputs and suggestions from our younger team members on how to streamline our everyday work. Another challenge most startups face is maintaining that employer-employee relationship and the office culture that we worked hard on creating. Culture is the holistic force that guides actions and interactions

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

The hybrid model is helping startups utilise our workforce in an efficient manner and maximise our output as well 94

in the workplace. We have witnessed that while it is difficult to maintain the same level of enthusiasm that companies have had in a pre-Covid world, it is also integral to evolve the culture to accommodate the post-Covid mandates. Clear and transparent communication is key as well as positively reinforcing the holistic culture in a workplace. with the hybrid model of work, this will only get better. The hybrid model is helping startups utilise our workforce in an efficient manner and maximise our output as well. And at the end of the day, it's not just about the startup but also the people that work there; their comfort and safety is of utmost importance. This hybrid model allows that freedom to them.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

To maintain workplace harmony, taking up initiatives that bring employees closer together are important in the evolution of such workspaces. Additionally, workplace design also has a significant effect on employee performance and engagement. How I feel workplaces can evolve in the coming months is by improving efficiency, keeping employees motivated and fuelling creativity and innovation. As startups are slowly emerging from the pandemic, the industry has an unprecedented opportunity to reinvent itself along with its workforce and workplace. Choosing how to rebuild and executing it accurately is half the battle won already.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

LEADER’S INSIGHTS

MAKING WORKSPACES A SAFE HAVEN FOR EMPLOYEES Yogesh Thore, Founder & CEO, Friyey

Yogesh genuinely believes in solving real problems and is working towards making coworking spaces free. As an entrepreneur, he followed his passion and started Friyey, a disruptive startup in Coworking that transforms clubs/pubs into co-working spaces during the day. Friyey is building the fastest growing community for Remote Workers.

What is Friyey? Tell us more about your new vertical “Friyey Lite”? With Friyey, We transform Nightclubs, Pubs into Coworking Spaces for day time, these are our premium locations which are exclusively only for Remote Workers, Where customers get access to all basic amenities like high speed internet, comfortable seating, parking space, Air- conditioned room and many more, also our customers can have their own tiffins just like in their own office space also our customers get benefits such a AWS, Exote which helps early

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

stages startups and entrepreneurs, and also relish and network with like minded people from our community group Friyey Lite - friyey lite is a non premium version which will help remote workers to find the best suitable and convenient space near them, We have tie-ups with Cafes & Restaurants within the city where remote workers can work throughout the day without any ease of ordering and getting all basic amenities for productive work & will also gain access to our Premium Locations on allotted days at just INR 999/

THIS PANDEMIC IS GOING TO HELP REMOTE COMPANIES & REMOTE CULTURE JUST LIKE DEMONETIZATION HELPED DIGITAL WALLET COMPANIES & DIGITAL INDIA

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

How did the shift to remote working impact your company? This pandemic is going to help Remote Companies & Remote Culture just like demonetization helped digital wallet companies & digital India. “In the world of remote, there will be no additional advantage to companies being based at silicon valley or at any fancy location” Earlier we used to have mainly Freelancers, Entrepreneurs as customers but post pandemic we are seeing corporate teams also joining Friyey, Recently employees from Amazon India & Salesforce have used Friyey as their remote office.

How do you create a space for work? How are you different from other coworking spaces? First of all I don't think friyey comes under the category of typical coworking, Friyey helps Remote workers by providing them vibrant, flexible work space within the city. We transform Nightclubs, Pubs & Restaurants into Vibrant coworking spaces for day time. These Spaces are exclusive only for coworking which helps our customers to have high work productivity. We are asset-light startup, where we select Restaurants which have less footfall during a day time & operate them as per our standard SOP. We are kind of like the Airbnb of Coworking. What role do workspaces like Friyey have in the startup culture? I think everyone has definitely understood the importance of remote working Post covid pandemic, talking about the future of remote workers. No one will travel 30km a day for 2 hours to reach their offices, so we are providing vibrant workspaces near you, Which will save Time, Energy & Money so remote workers can focus on important tasks. “Location independent is not about fascinating lifestyle, It is about high work efficiency and work life balance Every other early stage startups, Freelancers & new entrepreneurs have funds problems & many of them are not able to start their journey only due to lack of funds, so here we are providing the most affordable workspaces where our communities help each other to grow mutually. A helping hand to all early stage startups. Share some of your success stories. For me personally, I don't think the valuations or how big is the startups defines success. The definition of success is about the impact you or your startup has on someone's life!

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

Otherwise you would just pull out the thin line between success and failure. So I would like to share a small incident on this. We have seen many success stories of freelancers who trusted Friyey but in remember one specific story of our customer who had just lost his job and was using our space to find a new job, the most we could offer him was a 20% discount on membership and some help from

LOCATION INDEPENDENT IS NOT ABOUT FASCINATING LIFESTYLE. IT IS ABOUT HIGH WORK EFFICIENCY AND WORK LIFE BALANCE

our community later when he got new job and shifted to his new office he personally called me and said “ It wouldn't have been possible without Friyey” thank you! At that moment I realized we are not here to just provide workspaces. What's the most attractive factor about coworking spaces? Why do people prefer it? The most alluring part about Friyey membership is that there is no Deposit nor lock-in period & the members get an opportunity to join our engaging community of like-minded people, All these at just INR 99/day. Affordability is secondary. People can Connect, Collaborate with each other makes any coworking space an best work place.

Higher Education Digest September 2020

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

EXPERT OPINION

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Pros and Cons of Technologies Used by Employers for Streamlining Work Processes for Employees Vishal Kakkar, Business Head and Partner, Envisage

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

With more than 19 years of experience, Vishal has been instrumental in developing Envisage as a force to reckon with in the field of architecture, interiors, and design and build. He began his career leading project executions and managing multiple projects across typologies such as residential, corporate, and institutional designs. During the course of his career, Vishal's interests advanced into the functioning of this industry beyond design and staying informed and ahead of industry trends.

he spread of COVID-19 has been all about uncertainty and distress. With people being strongly advised to follow social distancing protocols, the government has focused on controlling the spread of illness by restricting travel and work. This has impacted every industry, including the architecture, construction and real estate ones. The use of technology and computers has become prevalent within our personal and working lives; organizations are quickly changing to succeed and compete against those that are born digital. Workplaces are no longer seen as physical office spaces, but a digitally connected workforce with the ability to work and communicate from any location at any time. The digital workplace can be described as an organization that provides its workforce with the technology and environment to communicate, innovate, collaborate and work more effectively to achieve their business objectives. There are three aspects to this change that come as an advantage to the industrySafety With a massive reduction in face to face meetings, discussions and collaborations, the exposure to the virus reduces tremendously. Virtual and real-time facilities have made numerous aspects such as labour management and site supervision convenient. Usually, when an architect visits a site, it involves an interaction with approximately 15 people, including labour, supervisors, clients, vendors etc. This makes everyone prone to the virus, hence increasing the risk. Now, everything happens virtually over platforms like Zoom and Google Meet, thereby reducing exposure and enabling smoother communication. Convenience Every time a client or a contractor visits the architect, a set of drawings has to be kept ready for ease in explanation, presentation and communication. With a significant advantage of cloud computing- every drawing and detail is available under one database and holds a range of people in the loop. This also assures complete transparency, saves time and allows for convenience in communication. Real-time

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inventory management- sites in the construction industry, has become easy to control and administrate with the advantage of Augmented reality and virtual reality, whilst promoting safer working environments.

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Acceptance Advancements in technology existed even before the pandemic, but were restricted to particular industries. As the pandemic surfaced, everyone was forced to rely on technology and discovered how helpful it could be in professional working. The AEC industry has struggled to keep up with various aspects such as qualified worker shortage, growing competition, shrinking margins, higher risks and health and safety advisories. All these aspects affect the growth of a project in various ways. To complete the project safely, in time, and profitably- technology and its acceptance have played a key role. Advancements such as BIM have made it very convenient for planning and coordinating a project. 3D printing has also become an opportunity to help convey designs and construction drawings conveniently.

A reduction in personal and human interaction leads to an absence of a dynamic mix of thoughts and strategic exchange of ideas

Disadvantages Adjustments Various people in the construction fraternity are accustomed to working and monitoring developments on the field. The introduction of technology has opened a new field of work mode for them, which could be intimidating. Felid workers have to rely on virtual reality, and various project management software and this mix can lead to resistance. However, this perception is slowly changing and can be leveraged to attain and generate skilled labour.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

Cybersecurity Concerns and Loss of Data Even with the most updated protections such as firewalls and appropriate software, a business is still subject to the potential loss of data in case of hard drive crashes and limited information back up. In such scenarios, the business is left trying to rebuild a database rather than concentrating all the energy on design and management works. The increase in technology dependence has also led to the rise in cybercrime wherein various aspects such as emails, financial records, employee information etc. can be leaked. Thus, the company needs to have a cybersecurity plan. It is crucial to educate employees about security methods to mitigate risks. Maintaining a human balance A reduction in personal and human interaction leads to an absence of a dynamic mix of thoughts and strategic exchange of ideas. The digital experience should be tailored to the needs of users and be flexible enough to accommodate their different levels of digital skills. The digital workplace can complement human interaction and make it easier for peers to interact and integrate. Businesses need to understand what is the best communications channel for them, depending on the employee or business issue. Therefore, creating a strategy that offers both a digital and human method of interaction can strike a balance between the two. Digital readiness and an optimistic approach to working can help the construction industry advance in various ways, while saving time, effort, and energy, thereby leading to steady execution of projects even amidst the pandemic.

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ARCHITECT’S VIEW

Reinventing Workspaces: Merging the office with WFH culture Stuti Gawri, Interior Designer and Director, The Greyy Room

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Stuti Gawri is a third-generation businesswoman in a family of architectural experts, who have been in the industry since the 1980's. After earning a degree in interior design from Raffles College of Design & Commerce, Australia, she set up a project very close to her heart - The Greyy Room in 2017, under the guidance of her father, Mr. Vipin Gawri, Director of Gawri Constructions. A multifaceted interior design company, The Greyy Room is based in New Delhi and does design consultancy, interior styling and project execution pan India. Launched with the aim of bringing about a change in the design world, Stuti also started her own furniture manufacturing. She is a creative designer of bespoke furniture, an interior designer and has been executing numerous designing projects over the last 7 years. In conversation with Stuti Gawri, who infuses comfort with luxury.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

How has entrepreneurship changed business? According to me, entrepreneurship is a global trend that is at a steady rise. Apart from presenting business opportunities for all, it also helps in fostering economic development at a micro and macro level. Smart entrepreneurs act as agents of change and help remold communities through innovation and problem-solving. Some basic characteristics of entrepreneurship that have changed businesses are fostering job creation and creating a profitable enterprise that is not only sustainable but is also socially responsible. Entrepreneurship helps in creating partnerships that transfer knowledge and skill which can in turn help the business community as a whole, thus improving the standards of living. The current surges of smart entrepreneurs are pioneering what we see as a global shift in business trends. What are some small changes one can make at home to make WFH more conducive for work? Comfort, ergonomics, design, décor and perspective are some important factors one should consider to make WFH more conducive for work. It is important for one to understand that your surroundings should have a positive impact on your work output whether it is in terms of quality or quantity. Since the onset of the pandemic, interior designers have been solving problems related to space and its functionality along with the importance of sustainability and ergonomics. There’s a major emphasis on the privacy of individuals now since offices have moved into homes and the role of our homes has changed completely leading to more flexile spaces. To solve the issue of working from home we designed and launched The Greyy Pods, which are smart and modern solutions for home offices that can be customized to suit each individual's need, leading to increased workflow and output.

Comfort, ergonomics, design, décor and perspective are some important factors one should consider to make WFH more conducive for work

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

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Stuti Gawri

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

How did The Greyy Room adapt to Covid times in terms of interior design? Changing times, the ongoing pandemic has encouraged businesses to reinvent themselves and think of different aspects along with developing ideas that are innovative, fresh, and new. As we all are well aware, there has been a major shift in the work culture within our country as well as a significant transformation globally. Foreseeing this change and adapting to this new brave and ever changing world, The Greyy Room’s newly launched collection - They Greyy Pod, is a unique solution to all problems as it allows one to have their own mini workstation wherever they want & also encourages social distancing. Inspired by Coffee Pods, Work Pods are portable workstations that transmit us into a different zone from our surroundings and make it easy for us to concentrate on our work. This customizable and portable work pod can be placed in hotel lobbies, commercial spaces, corporate offices, homes etc. A dedicated work space makes working from anywhere easier and prevents bad work postures and health issues.

going to be pitfalls, but imagine the learning and the growth out of that. Tell us more about Greyy Pods: how it works and how it helps employees stay safe. Resetting for the new normal, changing with times & adjusting to this new way of life was the main inspiration behind The Greyy Pod. The Greyy Pods are tactfully designed, wellstructured work pod that does not compromise on one's comfort yet gives the luxury to work in style. Each pod is carefully handcrafted & detailed with unique features that mimic a mini office and can be installed anywhere & everywhere. The Pods are gaining huge popularity and might be the new big revolution in corporate and residential interior design. The pods allow privacy and comfort which is very essential so one can give a 100% to their work schedules apart from it being designed ergonomically. Our 4’x2’ work pod is powerpacked with isolation side panels that encourage social distancing, inbuilt storage spaces, lumbar support, comfortable seating for long work hours along with power sockets that can help charge your laptops or phones without moving. One of its unique features is the laptop swing arms that can fold once your workday is over, hence saving space. The Greyy Pods are available in the following categories namely, The GreyyLuxe, The GreyyNeu, The Greyy Classic and The Greyy Briefcase. These Pods are extremely unique in the country, with features like Bluetooth, customizable colored fabrics, lumbar support, inbuilt storages, power sockets - making it personal for every individual.

Resetting for the new normal, changing with times & adjusting to this new way of life was the main inspiration behind The Greyy Pod

What advice would you give upcoming startups? We stand by our core values of integrity, passion, continuous learning, innovation, teamwork, and quality and it is these values that have kept us on top of our game, attached us to our existing clients, and have helped build the borage of new clients. Starting a new journey without knowing what lies ahead is always tough and challenging, but who said that this journey would be easy? Believe in yourself, take risks, have a spearhead vision, and help your teammates grow as well. This will be your biggest motivation. There are

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EXPERT OPINION

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HR Space: How New Tactics are Pioneering the Strong Work Culture amid COVID Yogita Tulsiani, Director & Co-founder, iXceed Solutions

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

T Yogita Tulsiani is armed with a Master's in Business Administration from ISB, Hyderabad. The versatile businessperson has more than a decade of experience in Business Development and Consultancy across various industries in the UK, USA, Europe, and APAC. Her repertoire includes an illustrious clientele in the Financial Services, Telecom, Retail, Information Technology and Learning industries like Genpact Headstrong and HP. The current role of Director in IXCEED has been a culmination of various roles in her career. Global expansions and exponential revenue growth have been the trajectory that Tulsiani has followed. She has been instrumental in starting new lines of business. The stint at IXCEED has already proven her mettle in initiating growth patterns.

alent management is radically different from last year. The first wave of COVID-19 made several organizations reach a grinding halt that brought unpredictable changes within the initial month of the lockdown. There was a complete hiring freeze as well as massive layoffs that transformed the talent and recruitment functions across sectors. According to a market report, there was a 62 percent decline in hiring activities in April 2020 due to the nationwide lockdown. However, the scenario is completely different this year. The impact of the lockdown in the second wave of COVID-19 is less severe on the job market with almost negligible layoffs. Despite being an unprecedented year, 2020 brought major organizational changes into practice. With more and more companies are realizing the need for being digitally present, the second wave of COVID-19 resulted in major investments into technology adoption and adding more staff. Additionally, to get through smoothly, talent leaders and HR managers reimagine HR practices to build resiliency and drive value in the organization. This requires a holistic approach to fight the second wave of the pandemic and implement plans to return to offices in aningenious manner. Further, HR teams are focusing majorly on crafting a robust talent management strategy that is backed by several technological trends prevalent in the industry. Vaccination drive at workplace COVID-19 pandemic is a human health crisis and the only way to beat it is by vaccinating each citizen of the country. Many organizations in the UK and other international countries have already started implementing a ‘no jab, no job’ policy to ensure a safe and protective environment at the workplace. Recently, the Indian government has also announced its decision to allow organizations to organize vaccination drives for their employees that can further be extended to their family members. This sort of practice helps employees come back to the workplace stronger and braver. As per the government, private organizations will need to tie up with private hospitals to procure vaccine doses.

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Nurturing genuine relationships The second wave of COVID-19 has presented the country with unprecedented challenges. Many employees have lost their loving ones and it is emotionally and mentally draining for them to return to work. The companies are understanding their foremost responsibility to be kind to employees and help them deal with the tragedy with empathy. The talent leaders and HR managers are working on ways that let seniors reach out to their team members and extend emotional support rather than reaching out to HR teams to show their human side. This could be adopted as a regular practice of sending an encouraging email, sharing precautionary tips or ways to manage work-life like a leader. This will result in replacing superficial networking with genuine relationships at work.

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Implementing hybrid work model The onset of the pandemic has transformed almost every business organization in countless ways. Many aspiring organizations have adopted digital tools and technologies toimplement a virtual working model. Going forward, companies are gearing up to adopt hybrid working models to reduce the further spread of the virus. The hybrid approach allows a percentage of employees to work on-site while others continue to operate remotely. The new generation work model will make companies focus on managing their business from the cloud, thereby generating demand for investing in technology and hiring more staff. Aligning employees with a clear business vision When any big course of event like COVID-19 pandemic-induced lockdown hits, the leaders have to make hard business decisions to cope with market conditions. This needs to be followed by the approach of creating a clear and bold vision at work. The talent teams are considering this as an inspiring step to build resiliency in employees. Initiating from conveying the business vision in a compelling manner to helping the employees know their purpose in the organization retains employees fascinated with the booming trend of gig jobs.

CXO OUTLOOK July 2021

Embracing digital tools To create a seamless hiring function, companies are considering digital enablement. Talent leaders and managers are capitalizing on advanced technology tools to infuse strategies in recruitment and other employee-related functions. Integration of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Analytics, etc is anticipated to bring positive changes in the talent and recruitment industry. One of the most interesting ways includes the use of strong data analytics that helps HRs attract people with the right competencies and manage the talent efficiently.

The new generation work model will make companies focus on managing their business from the cloud, thereby generating demand for investing in technology and hiring more staff Takeaway The last year’s wave of COVID-19 pandemic already made people familiar to work in the new normal environment. However, the ongoing second wave presented a chance to create new ways of implementing the new normal strategies. Companies are now paving the way to transformation while boosting employee relationships. The effectiveness in shaping the sector post-pandemic is projected to introduce new ways of building a strong and engaging work culture.

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CXO OUTLOOK Higher Education Digest July 2021 October 2020

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CXO OUTLOOK Higher Education Digest July 2021 October 2020