IBM STARTS FIRST PHASE OF RETURN-TO-WORK STRATEGY

As it continues to monitor and assess the coronavirus pandemic, IBM has announced the first phase of its return-towork strategy with the release of the Return to Workplace Playbook for its 350,000-strong workforce across the globe. The company has started to implement a staggered returnto-work plan in the Philippines and other offices globally.

While the guidelines are intended for its employees, IBM is also keen on sharing the principles behind the playbook with its customers and business partners. The playbook was the result of data-driven, evidence-based practices and policies that IBM initiated as countries and regions begin to ease quarantine and lockdown protocols surrounding the pandemic.

IBM expects the playbook to be fine-tuned as it begins its first phase of implementation. Changes may be applied to succeeding phases based on results of continuous assessment of market-specific health and policy landscape. The guidelines are built around seven practical and actionable business imperatives: empower a remote workforce; engage customers virtually; remote access to everything; accelerate agility and efficiency; protect against new cybersecurity risks; reduce operational costs and enhance supply chain continuity; and support health providers and government services.

IBM Philippines chief operations officer Rommell Silva said the business imperatives would be useful to clients as the country gradually moved forward through the pandemic. “It’s important for us to work alongside our clients so we can all build strategies that will adapt to the challenges that lie ahead. These business imperatives will definitely help them strengthen their resilience even further,” Silva said.

The playbook uses results of a survey conducted by IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV) in April involving 25,000 adults in the United States. The survey asked respondents how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected them in terms of work, transportation, shopping, attending large events, among others. Results revealed that almost half of those surveyed believe in implementing social distancing in the workplace, as well as the importance of remote work arrangements, training, and physical and emotional health.

Silva acknowledged the similarities of the results of the survey with that of the current IBM Philippines setting, emphasizing the importance of meeting the needs of their employees, customers and business partners while observing the protocols of the national government.

“We expect a larger number of employees to return to their respective offices as we slowly transition to new normal conditions. This is precisely why companies must know how to complement their safety guidelines for their stakeholders with that of government’s protocols without compromising performance and productivity. This playbook will definitely help us navigate through this changing environment,” Silva said.

The first phase of the playbook includes a readiness checklist that applies to employees with on-site work settings; employers’ preparations and procedures for the workplace; and preparations and processes for employees, clients and visitors.