With hybrid work here to stay and Gen Z rapidly entering the workforce, the traditional 9-to-5 office mindset is not enough to solve new workplace challenges. But what’s replacing it, and how are companies adapting to this seismic shift?

In this interview with the CEO and Co-founder of Vantage Circle, we unpack how organisations are redefining productivity, what drives employee motivation in this new era, and the cutting-edge technologies that will shape the future of work. Discover the key insights that can help create a more engaged and productive workforce.

Partha Neog is the CEO and Co-founder of Vantage Circle, a global employee engagement platform that focuses on enhancing employee well-being, recognition, and productivity. 

1. With an incoming generation of employees and the permanence of hybrid work, how do you think a conventional understanding of productivity is changing? 

Ans: The influx of Gen Z, Alpha, and millennials into the workplace is significantly altering the conventional understanding of productivity. The work environment has been continuously evolving since the pandemic, with hybrid and remote work becoming more permanent fixtures. Traditionally, productivity was measured by hours spent at the office and visible activity. However, modern productivity focuses more on output, efficiency, and overall well-being.

Hybrid and remote work have introduced flexibility that benefits both employees and employers. Employees can now work in environments where they feel most comfortable, reducing stress and increasing satisfaction. Employers benefit from increased productivity and a happier, more engaged workforce. This shift acknowledges that simple payment is not sufficient for the present generation of the workforce, who value meaningful work, autonomy, and a healthy work-life balance.

2. With technology playing a key role in how and when work is done, what are some key behavioural factors that drive employee motivation in organisations? 

Ans: Giving employees the freedom to make decisions and control over how they accomplish their tasks can significantly boost motivation. When employees have autonomy, they feel a greater sense of ownership and responsibility for their work

Acknowledging and appreciating employees' efforts and achievements is crucial for maintaining motivation. This recognition can be in the form of praise, awards, or opportunities for career growth. In a digital work environment, virtual recognition platforms or public acknowledgements can be effective

Setting clear, achievable goals and providing transparent expectations helps employees understand their role and how their work contributes to the organisation's success

Offering opportunities for learning and growth through training programs, mentorship, or skill development courses motivates employees to improve their capabilities and stay engaged.

Key behavioural factors that drive employee motivation in organisations include rewards and recognition, autonomy over work, a positive and meaningful work environment, competitive compensation, and work-life balance. Technology plays a crucial role in enabling these factors.

Technology-enabled employee engagement platforms can facilitate regular feedback, efficient communication, and recognition systems that acknowledge and reward employee achievements. Technology also supports flexible working arrangements, allowing employees to manage their work in a way that suits their personal lives, thus enhancing motivation and productivity.

3. What are some common challenges you face when trying to understand and modify employee behaviour to enhance productivity?

Ans:  As the CEO and Co-founder of Vantage Circle, understanding and modifying employee behavior to enhance productivity presents several common challenges:

• Diverse Workforce Needs: Our employee base consists of individuals with varied backgrounds, preferences, and motivations. Tailoring wellness programs that resonate with such a diverse group is complex. Identifying what works best for each segment requires continuous monitoring and adaptation.
  
  
• Behavioral Change Resistance: Employees often resist change, especially when it involves altering long-established habits. Encouraging them to adopt healthier lifestyles or participate in wellness programs requires consistent effort, effective communication, and compelling incentives.
  
  
• Measuring Impact: Quantifying the impact of wellness programs on productivity can be challenging. Establishing clear metrics and collecting accurate data to demonstrate the ROI of these initiatives is crucial but often difficult.
  
  
• Engagement Consistency: Maintaining high levels of engagement in wellness programs over time is another hurdle. Initial enthusiasm may wane, and keeping employees motivated requires ongoing innovation and fresh, engaging content.
  
  
• Integration with Work Culture: Embedding wellness initiatives into the existing corporate culture without causing disruption is a delicate balance. Ensuring these programs are seen as integral to the company’s values and daily operations, rather than additional tasks, is vital for their success.
  
  
• Resource Allocation: Allocating sufficient resources, both financial and human, to effectively run and sustain wellness programs is often a challenge. Balancing these needs with other business priorities requires strategic planning and commitment from all levels of the organisation.

By addressing these challenges with a thoughtful, data-driven approach and fostering a culture that prioritises employee well-being, we aim to enhance productivity and create a healthier, more engaged workforce at Vantage Circle.

4. What future trends or technologies do you believe will be key in understanding and leveraging employee behaviour for productivity gains?

Ans: Future trends and technologies that will be key in understanding and leveraging employee behaviour for productivity gains include:

• Emotional Intelligence: Understanding the emotional intelligence of employees is crucial. Emotionally intelligent workplaces foster a calm, cohesive environment. Managers who can accurately read and manage the emotions of their team create a positive impact on the overall work atmosphere, leading to better decision-making and reduced stress levels.
  
  
• Generative AI in HR Applications: Generative AI can create personalised training programs and content, analysing individual learning styles, performance data, and career goals to generate customised learning modules. This ensures training is more engaging, effective, and aligned with both employee growth and organisational needs.
  
  
• Wearable Technologies: Wearable technologies can track physical well-being, providing data that helps understand how physical health impacts productivity. Instant feedback on posture and activity levels can help employees maintain good health and avoid fatigue.
  
  
• Gamification: Gamification can be an effective tool to study and understand employee behavior. By incorporating game-like elements into work processes, organisations can gather valuable data on how employees engage with tasks and interact with each other. This approach makes work more engaging and provides insights that can drive productivity improvements.

By leveraging these trends and technologies, organisations can gain deeper insights into employee behaviour, ultimately leading to enhanced productivity and a more motivated workforce.