The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed the way businesses operate. With many employees forced to work from home, companies have had to rapidly adapt to new technologies and workflows to maintain productivity. However, as the pandemic continues to disrupt businesses worldwide, it has become clear that technological solutions alone are not enough. The key to thriving in the post-COVID business climate is human transformation.
According to Jeff Benton, founder of Paragon Performance Evolution, businesses need to start investing in their human capital, providing their employees with the tools and resources they need to transform themselves. This means going beyond traditional training programs and embracing a more holistic approach to transformation.
“Human transformation is about becoming the best version of yourself, both personally and professionally,” says Benton. “It’s about developing the self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and resilience you need to thrive in the face of change and uncertainty.”
While the concept of human transformation may seem abstract, the benefits are very real. Research has shown that individuals who are self-aware and emotionally intelligent are better equipped to handle stress, communicate effectively, and build stronger relationships. They are more resilient and adaptable in the face of change, and are better able to innovate and problem-solve.
On a larger scale, businesses that prioritize human transformation are better positioned to thrive in the post-COVID business climate. According to a recent report by McKinsey, companies that invest in employee well-being and engagement are more likely to experience a 20-25% increase in productivity. They are also better able to attract and retain top talent, and create a more positive and meaningful impact on the world, which is becoming increasingly important to consumers and stakeholders.
So, how can businesses start investing in human transformation? Benton believes it starts with creating a culture of trust, transparency, and vulnerability.
“Businesses need to create a safe space where employees feel comfortable being themselves,” he says. “They need to encourage open communication, active listening, and constructive feedback. This creates a foundation of trust and respect that is essential for human transformation to occur.”
In addition to creating a culture of trust, businesses also need to provide their employees with the tools and resources they need to transform themselves. This includes training in self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and mindfulness, as well as access to coaching and mentoring programs.
“Human transformation is a journey, not a destination,” says Benton. “It takes time, effort, and commitment. Businesses need to be willing to invest in their employees’ personal and professional development if they want to reap the benefits.”
One company that has embraced the importance of human transformation is Microsoft. In a recent interview with Fast Company, CEO Satya Nadella discussed the company’s focus on empathy and emotional intelligence.
“At Microsoft, we talk about our culture of growth mindset,” says Nadella. “It’s about being willing to learn and grow, both personally and professionally. We encourage our employees to be curious, to ask questions, and to embrace the idea of continuous learning.”
Nadella believes that this focus on human transformation has helped Microsoft stay agile and responsive in the face of change.
“COVID-19 has been a wake-up call for all of us,” he says. “It’s shown us that we need to be more adaptable, more empathetic, and more resilient. By investing in our employees’ personal and professional development, we’re creating a culture of innovation and growth that is essential for our continued success.”
Another company that has prioritized human transformation is Airbnb. In a recent interview with CNBC, CEO Brian Chesky discussed the company’s focus on employee well-being and engagement.
“At Airbnb, we believe that if you take care of your employees, they will take care of your customers,” says Chesky. “That’s why we’ve created a culture of belonging and connection, where employees feel supported and empowered to do their best work.”
To support this culture, Airbnb offers a range of programs and initiatives designed to help employees develop their personal and professional skills. This includes a mentorship program, leadership training, and regular feedback and coaching.
“We believe that everyone has the potential to grow and develop,” says Chesky. “By investing in our employees’ well-being and engagement, we’re creating a culture of continuous learning and improvement that is essential for our success.”
As businesses continue to navigate the post-COVID business climate, it’s clear that human transformation is essential for success. By investing in their human capital, businesses can create a more resilient, adaptive, and engaged workforce, and establish themselves as leaders in their industries.
The benefits of human transformation are not limited to individual employees, but extend to the organization as a whole. According to a study by the Harvard Business Review, companies with a strong sense of purpose outperformed their counterparts by a factor of 10 in terms of financial performance. Purpose-driven companies are also more likely to attract and retain top talent, and create a more positive impact on the world.
Moreover, businesses that prioritize human transformation can help create a more sustainable and equitable society. As the world faces challenges such as climate change and social inequality, businesses have a responsibility to use their resources to create positive change. By investing in their human capital and creating a culture of purpose and connection, businesses can help create a more just and sustainable world.
Human transformation is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. The post-COVID business climate requires a new approach to transformation, one that starts with the individual. By investing in human transformation, businesses can create a more sustainable, conscious, and connected world, while also reaping the benefits of a more resilient and adaptable workforce. It’s time for businesses to recognize the importance of human transformation and take action to invest in their human capital. By doing so, they can create a better future for themselves, their employees, and the world.
