Whatever you understand by digitalization: Corona will significantly change digitalization.
Digitalization takes place in three areas: technologically, organizationally, and culturally. And guess which area poses the greatest challenge: correct, the cultural one. As often, humans are the most challenging variable in the process of change.
1. Technology. Technology is present in many areas. It is well developed functionally and affordable in many variations. In extreme cases, it is (temporarily) free. Microsoft states that the number of users of their team messaging service Microsoft Teams increased to 40 million daily users within the second week of March, up from over 12 million users per day.[1] It is available as SaaS (Software as a Service). Small and medium-sized businesses are entering digital solutions with manageable monthly contributions per user. Technology is there. Technology is affordable.
2. Organization. However, downloading an app does not make a successful digitalization strategy. The crucial question is: how do I change my processes and structures in the organization? Which area needs to delegate responsibilities? Which employees receive a new job profile? How do my business processes change? Restructuring is complex and in many cases difficult without external support. These projects with external professional support are the real drivers of digitalization costs and pose financial challenges for many companies.
3. Culture. The worst part is: even if you choose the right technology. Even if you can afford genuine expertise and purchase it. You have not yet solved the most important challenge: are your employees mentally and emotionally ready to implement the changes. And now comes Corona. Millions of people have to work digitally. Managers who have resisted home office for years have to send their employees to the home office. Employees who have resisted everything technologically new for years have to use technology. Everyone has to establish new processes. And many people must or may experience: it works! At least it works! And in some cases, maybe even better. And maybe it's even fun!
4. Corona. The crisis is terrible. Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide are sick and will continue to get sick. Thousands of people have already lost their lives, and more will lose their lives. This is undeniably a catastrophic consequence of this virus. However, this crisis also has an opportunity. Perhaps we will learn to accept that digitalization must take place in our minds and hearts. Maybe the way we communicate and collaborate in this crisis has forced us to have a digital success experience. Maybe when we have the virus under control, we can continue. Digitally. Culturally. And maybe, eventually, we'll just drop the "maybe." Please stay healthy!
