Start Your Fit For The Future Journey Today
Answer our short assessment to find out your areas to improve.
Wondering what it means to be ‘fit for the future’ and how this could benefit your business? You’ve come to the right place.
In 2019, we set out to discover which businesses are best prepared for the future – and what made these organisations stand apart. Then, we took a deeper dive to find out how they tackle challenges, approach change, and seize new opportunities to become ‘fit for the future’.
Want to find out what these businesses are doing differently and why they’re more likely to succeed?
Let’s get started…
1: They’re learning to adapt
94% of ‘fit for the future’ businesses say they’re prepare for risks
‘Fit for the future’ businesses are creating digital roadmaps to prepare for risks – and they’re seeing real-world benefits.
By adopting a positive attitude towards new tech and a flexible mindset that promote innovation and resilience, these businesses report fewer negative impacts through challenging times.
And adaptability sets them up for financial success. In fact, The London School of Economics (LSE) found that when a business’ ‘fit for the future’ score is 10 points greater, the likelihood of outperforming its competitors financially increases by 36%.
2: They’re exceeding customer demands
30% of businesses with >250 employees are planning to spend more on environmental, social and corporate governance or corporate social responsibility
Customers expect more – from round the clock communication to increased personalisation to advanced digital experiences, fit for the future’ companies take change in their stride.
They make sustainability a priority because people don’t only want exceptional experiences; they want to buy from and work with ethical, sustainable brands.
LSE found organisations with a ‘fit for the future’ index that’s higher by 10 points have an ESG commitment that’s 6 points greater, so they’re boosting performance while meeting customer expectations.
3: They’re navigating the hybrid world
77% of ‘fit for the future’ businesses see employee freedom as a positive
Flexibility is now critical in the workplace and, with their adaptable mindset, ‘fit for the future’ businesses are welcoming new technology to make this possible.
With employee expectations ever-growing, they’re conscious about the impact of flexible working. And 33% are concerned about maintaining company culture in a remote world.
By developing workplace culture, maintaining employee morale and boosting productivity, these businesses are recruiting and keeping top talent.
4: They’re embracing technology
86% of ‘fit for the future’ businesses are taking action to manage an automated world
‘Fit for the future’ businesses see the benefit of technology in creating equal opportunities in the future, and many believe it’ll create greater job security too. While they’re considerably more optimistic about the role of technology, 68% say they’re conscious about its impact on society.
Our world is becoming more automated every day and these businesses are using this to help their workforce flourish by reducing mundane tasks and boosting productivity.
Now you’ve seen the impact of becoming ‘fit for the future’, ask yourself:
- Do you look on the bright side and approach challenges with optimism?
- Is your business set up to weather future storms?
- What are you doing to stay ahead of your customers?
- Are you embracing a hybrid working world?
- Are you using modern technology to step into the future?
Take our quick assessment to find out how ‘fit for the future’ your business is.
Why not speak to a V-Hub Digital Adviser to find out how you can get started.
How did you score?
Here are the steps you can take to move forward.
Low score (<60)
If you came out on the lower end of the ‘fit for the future’ spectrum, that’s okay. In fact, of all the businesses we surveyed, only 20% met the criteria.
You might just be launching your digital transformation journey, but there are many ways to give you the best start. A good way to begin is to check out our extensive resources for setting up a business online; we have guides on practically every area, from lifting the lid on digital marketing to collaborating remotely, as well as how to remain secure online.
Medium score (60-74.99)
For those of you that scored in the medium percentile and are already taking steps towards a digital transformation, you’ll want to take a different path. Our research found that thriving isn’t simply about investing in tech, it’s about welcoming change too.
Although important, it’s no secret that this mindset shift won’t happen overnight, especially since the world of commerce changes practically every day, and so do customer expectations. But here’s how to get going:
- Keep your ear to the ground on the latest developments in your sector.
- Connect with customers to find out what they actually want.
- Look at customer and business behavioural trends to see which patterns repeat themselves.
- Look to the future and remain open-minded.
High score (75+)
If you placed on the higher end of the spectrum, you’re well on your way to becoming ‘fit for the future’. Your business has the right mindset and is already embracing change, but there’s more you can do to protect your profitability and success.
Continue your journey by asking yourself the following questions:
- Are you working to set trends, rather than following others?
- Can you help employees develop, to ensure every colleague shares your mindset and uses it to push business forward?
- Is there more to be done to bring customers closer to your business?
- What do you want to achieve in the next 5, 10 and 15 years? What changes do you need to make to achieve these goals?
Take the next step
You’ll be pleased to hear, it doesn’t matter how many people you employ or how much money you have available, every business has the potential to succeed by becoming ‘fit for the future’.
And we can help you get there.
With specialisms across a range of digital skills, reach out to one of our V-Hub Digital Advisers for free one-to-one support, including how to build an online presence, how to create strong digital marketing strategies, and how to manage online security risks, or explore the service first through the eyes of our advisers
