In this episode of #shifthappens, we sit down with Jennifer Peabody to discuss her experiences and best practices she has developed in implementing a digital workplace at HAVI, a leading global supply chain management company.

The episode begins with Peabody sharing the challenges that HAVI faced in terms of productivity and collaboration due to its decentralized and siloed organizational structure. This led to a high degree of inefficiency, with employees struggling to access the information they needed to do their jobs. She explains how HAVI decided to adopt Microsoft Teams, a collaboration platform that allows for seamless communication, file sharing, and project management. She also discusses how HAVI used governance and training to ensure that employees were using Teams in a way that maximized its potential.

One of the key takeaways for Peabody is the importance of governance in implementing a digital workplace. She acknowledges that while it can be tempting to leave things open-ended and encourage employees to use technology in their own way, this can lead to sprawl and inefficiency. She recommends creating a naming convention for teams, restricting who can create team sites, and providing templates for common use cases. These measures can help ensure that Teams is being used in a consistent and productive way across the organization.

Another important aspect of implementing a digital workplace is providing ongoing training and support to employees. Peabody explains how she sends out weekly tips and tricks to help employees get the most out of Teams, and how HAVI takes part in Microsoft's Technology Adoption Program to provide feedback on new features and functionality. This approach ensures that employees are always up to date on the latest tools and techniques and helps to foster a culture of continuous learning.

The episode also touches on the role of technology in promoting work-life balance and employee well-being. Peabody explains how HAVI uses tools like Viva Insights to provide employees with data-driven insights into their work patterns and encourage healthier habits. She also discusses the importance of using technology to promote social connectedness and combat the isolation that can come with remote work.

The episode provides valuable perspective on how organizations can use technology to create a more productive and collaborative work environment. By adopting a strategic approach to governance, training, and ongoing support, companies can ensure that their employees are using technology in a way that maximizes its potential. And by promoting work-life balance and social connectedness, organizations can create a culture that values the well-being of their employees.

As more organizations adopt remote and hybrid work arrangements, the lessons learned from HAVI's experience are more relevant than ever. Companies that invest in digital workplace technologies and prioritize employee well-being are likely to see significant benefits in terms of productivity, collaboration, and overall job satisfaction. This episode provides a blueprint for how to achieve these goals and serves as a reminder that technology can be a powerful tool for driving positive change in the workplace.