Roger Burgess, an APAC-based CIO Advisor at Zoom, convened a customer panel during WTS to explore the ways APAC enterprises are equipping their hybrid workforces for success and maintaining company culture in these settings. The panel was composed of Dr. Lily Phan, Research Director at IDC Asia Pacific; Corey Beckman, AV Technology Specialist at SafetyCulture; and Ned Lowe, Head of Engineering at Singlife with Aviva. Together, they shared the best practices theyâve gleaned over the last two-and-a-half years.
Ned Lowe on forward-thinking: âAt Singlife, we were already talking about meeting non-face-to-face with customers and gathering e-signatures, so when we were forced to work from home we were well-positioned to implement the technology that would make our advisors and customers successful. We took the wants of both our advisors and customers into consideration and brought it all together in the best way possible.â
Corey Beckman on designing hybrid workspaces: âWeâve embraced the hybrid experience â which is so critical to keep employees these days â through technology and design. We have over 48 Zoom Rooms at our office, including one on our rooftop, to accommodate in-office and remote employees. Weâve found, though, that a number of employees choose to come to the office at least three days a week because they like being in the office. We designed a space where employees can feel comfortable and do their best work. We also kept our customers in mind, by designing themed meeting rooms that celebrate them.â
Dr. Lily Phan on empathetic leadership: âAt IDC, we have found through our research that empathetic leadership is critical to maintaining workplace culture in hybrid settings. Through five principles of empathetic leadership â building a culture of trust, transparent communication, driving engagement, taking visible action, and supporting health and wellbeing â leaders can build the kind of company culture that employees seek.