Business Transformation: Why human connection will be more critical than ever in 2023

As we look towards the future, it's clear that technology will continue to play an increasingly important role in our lives. This is particularly true for digital and business transformations, which are often seen as technical challenges, requiring a deep understanding of technology and data. However, they also represent significant cultural shifts, which can be disruptive and challenging for employees and stakeholders. But amidst all of these changes, there's one thing that will remain just as important as ever: human connection.

Despite the many benefits that technology can offer us, there's no denying that it can sometimes be isolating. We're all familiar with the experience of spending hours staring at a screen and communicating with colleagues and clients through email or instant messaging. And while video calls and collaboration platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams have helped us stay connected during the pandemic, they don't fully replicate the experience of being in the same physical space as others.

In fact, recent studies have shown that remote workers can experience feelings of loneliness and disconnection, which can lead to decreased productivity and even mental health issues.

And while it's certainly true that technology can help bridge the gap between people who are physically separated, it's not a perfect substitute for the kind of human connection that comes naturally when we're in the same room together.

In these contexts, human connection becomes especially important for several reasons.

So why is human connection so important, especially in the world of digital transformation?

Let's take a closer look at some of the reasons why.

Change Management

First of all, it's worth noting that IT is a highly collaborative field. Whether you're developing software, managing a network, or providing tech support to end-users, you're likely working closely with a team of colleagues to achieve your goals. And while technology can certainly facilitate that collaboration, it can't replace the trust and rapport that come from spending time together in person.

Human connection is essential when collaborating for impact in business transformation initiatives because it enables individuals to work together towards a common goal with greater efficiency, creativity, and effectiveness. When people feel connected, they are more likely to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns openly and honestly, which leads to better collaboration and problem-solving. This is particularly important in business transformation initiatives, where different perspectives and skills are required to navigate complex challenges.

Successful business transformation is dependent on significant buy-in and participation from employees across the organisation. A critical component of any transformation effort is Change Management, and without the support of the people who will be affected by the changes, these initiatives are unlikely to succeed. Human connection plays a vital role in this process. When you're working alongside others in the same physical space, you're more likely to build a sense of camaraderie and mutual understanding. You might share jokes or stories during breaks, or collaborate more effectively on projects because you have a better sense of each other's strengths and weaknesses. All of these factors contribute to a sense of teamwork and shared purpose that can be hard to replicate online.

By prioritising human connection, IT leaders and managers can help to build trust and rapport with employees, creating an environment in which people feel comfortable sharing their concerns, ideas, and feedback. This can help to create a sense of ownership and investment in the transformation process, leading to more meaningful and sustained change.

But it's not just about collaboration and productivity. Human connection is also important for personal well-being. As social creatures, we need interaction and connection with others in order to thrive. When we're feeling isolated or disconnected, it can lead to negative emotions like anxiety, depression, and even physical health issues.

That's why it's so important for IT professionals to prioritise human connection, both within their teams and with others in their professional network. By taking the time to connect with colleagues and industry peers, whether through social events, mentorship programs, or online communities, you can build relationships that will support you both professionally and personally.

Of course, it's not always easy to prioritise human connection in a world where technology dominates so much of our work and personal lives. But there are some steps that individuals and organisations can take to make it a priority.

For example, companies can prioritise team-building events that bring remote and in-person workers together, or encourage socialising and connection during work hours. Individuals can make a point of attending industry events, joining online communities, or even just taking breaks during the workday to chat with colleagues.

Collaboration for Impact

Second, transformation initiatives often involve significant process and workflow changes, which can be disruptive to employees' daily routines. In these situations, human connection can help to mitigate the disruption and ease the transition. For example, by providing regular training and support, leaders can help employees to build the skills and knowledge necessary to adapt to the new workflows. By actively encouraging collaboration, and communicating clearly and transparently about the changes, IT leaders and Change Managers can help to reduce anxiety and uncertainty and create a sense of shared purpose and understanding.

In these contexts, human connection can help to break down silos and build bridges between different teams and stakeholders. By creating opportunities for employees to connect and collaborate, whether through team-building exercises, cross-functional projects, or informal social events, leaders can help to create a culture of collaboration and cooperation. This can lead to more effective and efficient work processes, as well as more innovative and creative problem-solving.

It is worth noting that the future of work is likely to be more flexible and remote than ever before. As companies adapt to changing market conditions and worker preferences, we're likely to see more and more IT professionals working from home or from co-working spaces. While this can certainly offer many benefits, it also presents new challenges when it comes to building human connections. That's why it's important to be intentional about connecting with others, whether through virtual events, video calls, or other online tools.

Community First

Finally, transformation initiatives often involve significant risk and uncertainty, as organisations navigate new technologies, business models, and customer needs. Human connection can help employees build resilience and adaptability so that they are able to weather setbacks during these initiatives. Ultimately, the key message is this: community is king. While technology can certainly help us stay connected and productive, it's not a substitute for the kind of community that comes from being in the same physical space as others. Whether you're working in IT or any other field, the relationships and connections you build with others are crucial for your professional success and personal well-being.

So, as we move forward into 2023 and beyond, let's make a commitment to prioritise human connection in all aspects of our lives. Let's find ways to connect with others, even when we're physically apart, and let's make sure that we're building communities that support us both professionally and personally. By doing so, we can ensure that technology continues to serve as a tool for connection and collaboration, rather than a barrier to human connection. After all, in a world that's becoming increasingly digitised and automated, it's the human connections we make that truly set us apart.

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