The post-pandemic future of work - according to 3,000 CEOs from around the world

A survey of 3,000 chief executives lifts the lid on corporate priorities after coronavirus.

Getting rid of distractions, discarding outmoded traditions and exploiting unique advantages are the new areas of focus, IBM says in its 2021 CEO Study.

“The COVID-19 pandemic challenged many leaders to focus on what’s essential, like their people,” says Mark Foster, senior vice president at IBM Services

The study – which identifies five key factors that set outperforming CEOs apart – looks at three essential areas: priorities, advantages and lessons.

Priorities

Agility – being able to respond quickly and pivot without losing momentum – is a top priority for leaders “to an unprecedented degree,” IBM says. More than half (56%) of CEOs emphasize the need to “aggressively pursue” operational agility and flexibility over the next two to three years.

Technology is expected to have the biggest business impact over the next few years. CEOs are looking most to the Internet of Things – the world of connected devices – cloud computing and artificial intelligence to deliver results.

Half of the CEOs in the study cited regulation as a priority. “This unquestionably reflects a rising assertiveness by governments around privacy, data, trade and – amplified by COVID-19 – health,” IBM says.

Read More at https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/02/the-post-pandemic-future-of-work-according-to-3-000-ceos-from-around-the-world-685436524a