In the wake of the pandemic, the benefits of digital adoption have become increasingly apparent to organisations. The ability to conduct business remotely, facilitated by technological advancements, has prompted many businesses to embrace a hybrid work model. This shift aligns with the broader trend of digital-first business strategies, as evidenced by a Foundry study that found that “93% of organisations have adopted, or have plans to adopt, a digital-first business strategy.” From cloud-based solutions for file management to remote collaboration tools, digitalisation has become a central focus across diverse industries.

Even though most organisations leverage the transformative capabilities of digitalisation, businesses need to note that consistent vigilance in monitoring the evolving digital landscape and evaluating emerging innovations is paramount. This proactive approach facilitates a seamless digital transformation journey, fostering demonstrably positive impacts on key business drivers, such as employee engagement, customer service excellence, and robust cybersecurity practices.

In an analysis of digital capabilities, a Boston Consulting Group (BCG) survey revealed that many organisations require further development in this critical area. The survey highlighted the need to strengthen foundational elements such as Human Resources, IT architecture, operations, and cloud software. Additionally, adopting agile principles and implementing digital HR solutions are areas that demand significant attention. The research underscores the overarching importance of digital capabilities for virtually all organisations. While specific needs may evolve, the pervasive influence of digital technology is undeniable. Consequently, proactive investments in this domain are demonstrably advantageous, unlocking many opportunities and establishing a robust foundation for future advancements.

Despite the myriad of challenges posed by ongoing global economic crises, the significant challenge for businesses today lies in forward-thinking and strategic planning for the long-term future. Companies are compelled to adopt a proactive stance in the swiftly evolving business scene characterised by disruptions from artificial intelligence to climate change. This entails the judicious reallocation of resources towards areas pivotal for the future performance and sustainability of the organisation.

In a world where the pace of change is relentless, the BCG (Boston Consulting Group) survey serves as a clarion call for businesses to acknowledge the significance of digital transformation and innovation and proactively address existing weaknesses. The imperative lies in strategic investments and capacity-building initiatives that fortify organisational readiness for the evolving demands of the future business environment. As companies chart their course forward, bolstering capabilities in areas such as HR digital solutions becomes a necessity and a strategic imperative for sustained growth and competitive advantage.

Article Ernest Masupye

Senior Collective Bargaining Co-ordinator at Consolidated Employers Organisation (CEOSA)