Today, technology is the great equalizer for companies to communicate and collaborate across geographies, time zones and departments. But how “people-first” can digital teams be? These research-backed insights will reboot any professional culture, no matter where or how digital teams may work.

1. The Company Reboot
How to Build a People-First Culture

2. Reconnect with your coworkers. Audit your company culture.
Bring life back to work.
Today, technology is the great equalizer for companies to communicate and collaborate
across geographies, time zones and departments. But how “people-first” can digital teams be?
These research-backed insights will reboot any professional culture, no matter where or how
digital teams may work.

3. People + Trust = ROI
Trust begets a culture of
accountability, pride, and growth.
“A great place to work is one in which you
trust the people you work for, have pride in
what you do, and enjoy the people you work
with,” said Robert Levering, co-founder of
Great Places to Work.
The most important driver of employee
engagement is the extent to which employees
trust that their senior management has a
sincere interest in their well being.

4. Flexibility is strength.
Flex-work creates a culture of
trust, balance, and happiness in
the workplace.
In a Unify study, the highest flight risk was
among those in the sought after Gen-Y or
millennials demographic— 43 percent of these
employees said they would change employers
for a job that offers flexible work.
43% of all employees surveyed
said they would prefer flex work
over a 10 percent pay raise.

5. Respect vs. Manage
When work relationships are
flexible and built on committed
understanding, people are more
invested in driving results and
going the extra mile.
Research revealed that more than one third
of employees surveyed—including 34 percent
of directors and 38 percent of managers—
said they would change companies for an
employer that embraces flexible work.

6. Redefine Engagement
According to Unify’s New Way to
Work Index, only 13 percent of
those working in virtual teams are
fully engaged.
True focus increases the overall quality of
work. When developing team dynamics, ask:
• Where do people naturally congregate
and communicate?
• How can I help my talent connect and
focus on their goals through the day?
• How can I remove distractions from
certain processes?
Even more startling is the fact
that 50% of employees say they
are disengaged with their work.

7. Fight Brain Drain
Being overworked seems
to be a global pastime.
A Harvard Business School survey from 1,000
professionals found 94% of people worked
50 hours or more a week, and almost half
worked in excess of 65 hours a week.
Shed excess tools and technology that
cause “brain drain” to streamline your
process. Communication should be intuitive
and effortless, rather than distracted.

8. Focus on Happiness
Don’t forget the power of the
intangible. A feel good culture
creates momentum, innovation
and commitment on teams.
According to Founder and Chief Happiness
Officer Alexander Kjerulf of Woohoo Inc.
happiness is the “ultimate productivity
booster.”
Harvard Researcher and Professor Teresa
Amabile found that creativity is vital to
business success, which can’t exist in a
negative working environment.

9. See The Bigger Picture
Today we rely on a diverse blend
of email, IM, video, and texts to
communicate effectively.
With millennials expected to become the
predominant generation in the workforce by
2020, communication streams will take place
through multiple channels.
Unified communications platforms contextualize
conversations, making it easier, more intuitive
and efficient to find information.
100%
75%
50%
25%
0%
Share of communication
activity, UK
Adults 12 to 15
Photo messages Messaging apps Social networks
Phone calls Email
Comms are going pure digital, pure mobile
Email is for grandparents
Graph source: http://www.nojitter.com/post/240169782/googles-angle-in-enterprise-communications

10. Bring life back to work
The right technology can revitalize
business, facilitating closer relationships
with teammates and customers.
How is your company #peoplefirst?
Share your photos, tips, and highlights
@UnifyCo #NW2W.
www.unify.com