TRENDING
3 . AI and business intelligence
Mark Ackerman , Area VP for Middle East and Africa at ServiceNow of the nation ’ s workers preferred remote or hybrid work and that 61 % would be less likely to look elsewhere for opportunities if their employer implemented flexible work schedules .
Collaboration tools and the plethora of supporting platforms that governed , monitored and scheduled work from afar during pandemic lockdowns were not wasted investments . The technology foundation is there to accommodate the relatively young workforces that span the Middle East and Africa .
In a crisis , everyone looks around for reassurance . Businesses look around for ways of getting through the crisis and becoming immune to the next one . ‘ Resilience ’ has been the word of the day for countless months . It remains so because of the aftershocks of the pandemic – supply-chain issues and inflation being just two examples . AI-powered analytics does not just allow real-time insights into the efficiency of processes and the profitability of business models ; it clears the way for predictive analyses that show a path to longterm success .
When technology stacks include mechanisms for extracting meaningful , useful data from structured and unstructured sources and categorising it for presentation and review , decision-makers get access to valuable knowledge . In 2023 , we expect to see an innovation cycle , as the positive ROI from these technologies encourages yet more investment .
4 . The continued ascendancy of ESG
The good news is that businesses have already seen the productivity benefits that go along with homebased work . Far from the feared slow delivery and stale service that stopped pre-pandemic moves to remote-work models , we have seen staff morale and productivity receive notable boosts . Flexibility and automated workflows are recruiting badges , attracting young and driven professionals with much to offer . Firms will have a choice – deliver flexible work or try to get by with a stale unmotivated workforce .
2 . Talent sought , but where ?
This issue compounds the first in that the very talent that is expecting enhanced work experiences can afford to make such demands because it is also in short supply . As time goes on , companies that do not respond to such trends will be hit by talent drains that will impact operations and service levels . At the same time , these same elements will be enhanced at enterprises that offer more alluring environments to their staff .
A recent survey by PwC showed that 47 % of Middle East companies were addressing talent gaps by upskilling their workforces . Meanwhile , some 32 % had opted for automation , including automation that enhanced the employee experience . This digitisation taking place side by side with upskilling is the ideal environment for young professionals , as it gels with their outlook and ambition . So , in 2023 , tools and training that empower each employee to innovate independently while working flexibly will be critical .
Environment . Social . Governance . Everyone everywhere now expects more from brands . There is no escaping it . Care for the planet ; care for the communities you serve ; and care for your employees and the major issues taking place around the world . Customers care about it , employees care about it and partners care about it . Investors and shareholders care about it .
In 2023 , as ESG pressure reaches critical mass , regional businesses will start to form strategies and focus groups . When complying with government , industry and market expectations , it will help to have the right talent in place . Conveniently , digital natives share an affinity with environmental and social matters . They will also be better placed to effectively use the technology platforms that produce ESG insights and drive progress in these matters .
Reach and keep reaching
Nautical metaphors are common in the digital world . In that spirit : technology has always kept us afloat . Even when we felt pushed below the surface , it had the power to bring our heads above water and , in some cases , make us soar above – high above – the waves . Those highflyers are always easily identified . They are the ones that spot trouble ahead of time . They are the ones that leverage the right technology at the right time in the right way to get the lift they need .
In 2023 , they will be the ones that digitise workflows , look after employees and communities and futureproof themselves against the crises to come . p
20 INTELLIGENTCIO AFRICA www . intelligentcio . com