With the rapid development of technology and changing expectations of employees, managing teams is one of the most important challenges for business.

Employees want to feel that their work has an impact on society, the environment or the well-being of other people. For many, creating a work-life balance and the opportunity for personal and professional development is very important. Leaders’ approaches to management and employees’ expectations have also changed in recent years. Bosses need to be more open to dialogue and cooperation with the team, and ready to delegate responsibility and allow employees to develop their own ideas and initiatives.

Tomasz Sańpruch of Capital24.tv spoke with experienced leaders: Beata Drzazga, founder of BetaMed, and Rafal Hiszpanski, CEO of DAS TU Ochrony Prawna SA (in liquidation) about what values have become important to employees and what motivates them. Beata Drzazga said: “The topic of contemporary challenges and trends in the area of management is extremely important and I am convinced that in the context of the dynamic business world in which we operate, it should be constantly discussed. The consciousness of our civilization is changing, and today it is no longer enough to motivate employees with bonuses and incentive systems. I recently participated in the “Closer to You” campaign, which conducted a survey of what expectations employees have of their supervisors today. The survey confirmed my observations for a long time – expectations of the workplace and a good supervisor today focus on empathy, attentive listening to employees, building a friendly atmosphere (e.g., through the office environment, privileges for employees and their hours) and openness to conversation.

Personally, I talk and write a lot about empathy, and it also applies to the work environment. Nowadays, managing a team is a challenge in itself. We face numerous factors that affect the effectiveness of our employees, and none of them should be ignored, so the role of leaders is crucial in building effective teams. Leaders should act as inspirers and mentors, enabling employees to develop and self-actualize. Supporting the professional and personal growth of employees is not only an investment in themselves, but also an investment in the long-term success of the organization. It is also worth noting that employee expectations have changed significantly in recent years, thanks to a younger generation – the Millenials or Generation Z – who are striving for a better work-life balance. As a result, all employees are looking for time flexibility, remote working options and other forms of work arrangements that will enable them to achieve professional success while also taking care of their well-being and quality of life.”

Managers should focus on building relationships, motivating employees and ensuring that their skills are developed. Rafael Spain also, agreed that an atmosphere and organizational culture that provides support, trust and equality in the workplace is important.

The second debate focused on green trends in business. Capital24.tv’s Rita Schultz was interviewed by Beata Pawlowska, CEO of The Untamed Europa Centralna, and Piotr Ostaszewski, CEO of Ekovoltis. In recent years, there has been growing interest in products and services with low environmental impact. Consumers are increasingly paying attention to what consequences their consumer choices have on the planet. In response to these expectations, many companies have become actively involved in implementing sustainability. Participants stressed that the modern consumer is increasingly making purchasing decisions that take into account environmental and social values. Companies that properly align their offerings with these expectations can gain a competitive advantage. What’s more, investing in sustainability can bring financial benefits, such as reduced operating costs through energy savings.

Beata Pawlowska notes that public awareness and consumer shopping preferences are constantly evolving. Customers are increasingly engaged and interested in products and services that have a positive impact on the environment.

Piotr Ostaszewski spoke about the impact of the trend on the overall economy:

“The green business trend is of great importance to the global economy. It affects many areas, from creating jobs to stimulating innovation to attracting investment. Green initiatives such as producing renewable energy, creating sustainable transportation systems, and innovating in waste management are creating new economic sectors.

Investments in low- or zero-carbon technologies create new jobs, whether in the technology sector, construction, energy, or even agriculture. Innovation in sustainable business often leads to products and services that are more efficient and sustainable, giving companies a competitive advantage.

Green business activities contribute to a more sustainable economic model that is less dependent on natural resources. This, in turn, increases the economy’s resilience to crises such as commodity price volatility and the effects of climate change.

The trend is also having an impact on politics. Companies pursuing sustainability often push governments to introduce more ambitious climate targets, leading to increased global environmental action.

In conclusion, the trend of green business activities is having a definite impact on shaping the global economy, affecting job creation, stimulating innovation, attracting investment and creating a more sustainable economic model. This is the path we should follow to ensure sustainable development for future generations.”

Source: Forbes