NAVIGATING THE FUTURE OF WORK
A blueprint for organisational excellence from Marlies Hoogeboom, founder and director of Hoogeboom Ltd
In today’s rapidly evolving corporate landscape, the challenges of envisioning the future of work and enhancing organisational performance are more complex than ever. Companies arrive at the crossroads of achieving operational excellence, attracting top-tier talent, and adhering to responsible business practices. The overarching objective is clear: to cultivate exceptional workplaces that not only foster collaboration, productivity, and adaptability within teams, but also resonate with the changing expectations of a dynamic workforce. The aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, compounded by a world marked by continuous unrest, war, and a cost-of-living crisis, has permanently altered the fabric of work. Terms such as “hybrid work” and “new ways of working” signify a seismic shift in the expectations and preferences of professionals. Today’s workforce seeks flexibility, choice, meaningful experiences, and opportunities for personal and professional development, all within the framework of maintaining a good work-life balance. Setting new standards The traditional 9-to-5, five-day commute into bustling city centres is no longer the gold standard for professionals. The inefficiencies and strains of the pre-Covid routine have given way to a desire for more autonomy and life choices, such as spending time with family, travelling or even becoming a ‘digital nomad’.This paradigm shift in expectations poses a challenge for many companies and industries, particularly in more traditional sectors such as law, finance and insurance, where leadership struggles to embrace change and redefine what constitutes a great workplace and a desirable work culture. See the need for change Speaking at a panel on International Women’s Day in 2023, I had the privilege of sharing insights with finance sector CFOs and CEOs on how to navigate this transformative period. The key takeaway was the imperative need to be brave and proactive in embracing change. Listening to the workforce and evolving the way businesses provide a workplace is not only crucial but also fundamental to success. The era of clinging to outdated practices with a “we’ve always done it this way” mentality is not only counterproductive, it also hampers progress. Inclusivity, progress and a balance of both IQ and EQ in leadership teams are indispensable for driving organisational performance in the face of a demanding and diverse workforce. As a former managing director in a large corporate, adhering to the traditional five-day office commute, I personally experienced the need for change. Following the Covid-19 pandemic, I transitioned to become a consultant, leveraging my experience to support organisations in adapting to the evolving landscape. Even now, I encounter clients who are grappling with the shift, sometimes mandating a return to the office for five days a week simply because they struggle to navigate the changes or fail to understand the necessity for change. At Hoogeboom Ltd, we specialise in crafting and executing real-estate and workplace strategies that blend productivity, advanced technology, and sustainability. As an independent consultancy, we offer expert guidance to businesses, from consulting to delivering global projects that drive growth, efficiency, and sustainable change. We excel in end-to-end client solutions, implementing workplace strategies, managing transformation, and delivering strategic solutions that enhance space, engage teams and drive performance while always looking for continuous improvement that inspire success in this new era.
Meet Marlies Hoogeboom
“I originate from the Netherlands and have 25 years’ experience in the UK and globally, specialising in driving efficient operations, strategy and cultural change, revenue generation and business transformation.”