An Information Communication Technology (ICT) expert, Mr Jide Awe, has advised entrepreneurs to embrace innovation, creativity culture and empathy for employees toward enhancing productivity in their businesses.
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Awe gave the advise during an online COVID-19 Entrepreneurs Diet meeting coordinated by Young Innovators Nigeria (YIN), with the theme, “Sustainable Entrepreneurship: During and Post Pandemic”.
The expert, who focused on Human Relations and Engaging the Workforce, said that the COVID-19 pandemic had created societal and human impact that disrupted activities.
He said that the societal impact was redefining nature of work resulting in job loss, low income, economic stability, volatile labour force, remote working and innovations among others.
Awe noted that the COVID-19 era had businesses being less or totally unproductive but adapting to the change and adopting creative technology elements could turn things.
He said that learning from inevitable challenges at work made it more productive, engaging for employees, especially in the pandemic era.
“Owners and managers of businesses must be sincere facilitators and mentors who lead by example because human relation is a leadership priority that requires full commitment.
“Ideas shared are not formula, employee policies and systems will vary but uncertain times call for empathetic, practical and creative measures.
“Business owners should appreciate future of work, bearing in mind there is no permanent jobs, no permanent life and embrace new forms of work,” Awe said.
He further said that entrepreneurs should ensure their employees’ well-being and safety, which could encourage them.
The expert also said that the pandemic period was filled with uncertainties adding that entrepreneurs should empower employees with working tools for either physical, on-site or remote working.
According to him, fostering clear constructive communications, building confidence in employees, promoting focus on substance and flexibility will boost productivity.
He said that it was time to change the archaic, dysfunctional and inhuman approaches to work and embrace opportunities in emerging technologies.
“Entreprenuers having challenges this time should know that times of disruption require creativity and there is no particular template to address the COVID-19 poor productivity.”
Mr Mayowa Ajiboye, President of YIN, said leaders, employers needed to have the sincerity of purpose in dealing with employees.
Ajiboye emphasised that employers’ relationship with their staff members could foster enhanced productivity.