Workforce optimisation: building organisational capability through data

Where can organisations focus to optimise their labour force?

There are many potential areas to start, but the challenge is to find low-cost mechanisms that bring little, if any disruption; are data led; and provide sustainable performance improvement.

There are many potential areas to start, but the challenge is to find low-cost mechanisms that brings little, if any disruption; is data led; and provides sustainable performance improvement.

For example, consider the following levers:

Every organisation will undertake some activity in these areas (e.g. outsourcing for resourcing / cost flexibility), but to get a notable performance uplift that goes beyond operational planning, right across the organisation, that is truly sustainable, and at low cost requires an integrated and considered approach.

For example, a clear understanding of what can (and inevitably will) be automated is a precursor to understanding future skills both in terms of what parts of current roles will be automated as well as the skills required to achieve this automation given the new much more fluid and dynamic nature of automation technologies and the current limited supply of those skills.

How can organisations assess progress toward workforce optimisation?

Whilst simple to do, relatively few organisations sense check plans by assessing their current performance holistically or indeed setting simple clear and integrated goals in this regard.  The most effective way to achieve this is to define a simple framework and to assess performance vs ambition which will in turn result in a more robust execution pathway.

Many companies would consider themselves to be progressive, as shown in Illustration 2. However, this masks the level of opportunity that exists to drive efficiency and really get to grips with an engaged and motivated workforce. 

The most encouraging aspect is that most companies that aspire to really drive performance in partnership with their colleagues can achieve much of this at low cost, whilst moving to a data led approach to driving insight and action.

In the current economic climate and given the uncertain outlook, expending modest effort, often at low cost to achieve material and sustainable performance gains through a data led approach feels hard to ignore.

How can 3XO help?

A key part of our focus here at 3XO is to support businesses with how to move from steady improvement in workforce optimisation to a simple but integrated plan that offers real value now as well as for the future. 

At 3XO we have a wealth of experience in design and execution of these capabilities including within leading UK Financial Services firms both at the top table and in on the ground design and execution.

We specialise in augmenting organisational capabilities, which means we can share our insight, upskill your teams and create new energy and delivery focus in a short period and at modest levels of cost. 

Please contact us if you’d like to discuss further how we can help you accelerate your organisation\’s performance improvement.