Despite the recurrent pattern of decline and regrowth in industry trends, the fact remains- Simplicity pays.
Many brand managers create complex and sometimes, complicated strategic plans to adapt to the ebb and flow state of industry trends. These plans, though are extremely thorough, their complexity often makes them almost impossible for in-market execution consistently and excellently.
High ranking executives within organisations often deal with very complex issues. However, there is a need for the complexity to be simplified and broken down into bits that can be well understood as the information is shared throughout the organisation.
According to a study by global brand and experience firm, Siegel+Gale simple workplaces produced more engaged employees and better results for businesses. Below are snippets from the study and how they can be leveraged to improve organizational results.
- Only 20% of employees agreed that their workplace is truly simple. For the majority, their workplace environment is too complicated.
- Organisations that communicate their purpose, vision, values and goals openly tend to be simpler and this promotes simplicity within the organisation. These organisations are clear in their communications with their employees on how their roles impact on the customer and how this in turn help drive the business towards its goal.
- 54% of employees disclosed it was easy for them to innovate in a simpler organisation.
- Simpler organisations find it easier to recruit. 65% of employees who work in simpler organisations are more likely to inform somebody to apply for an opening in their organisation.
- Employee loyalty is boosted in simpler workplaces. In simpler organisations, 84% of the employees plan to stay on their job while 94% trust in the ability of the organisation’s leadership.
According to the global CMO of Siegel+Gale, Margaret Molloy, there is a need for marketers to be concerned because organisation complexity is a serious challenge that impacts on an organisation’s productivity, brand experience and bottom line.
‘’In almost every industry, the employees are the new brand influencers. Enlightened Chief Marketing Officers are more enthusiastic about having an engaged workforce. Companies have enormous opportunity to invest in making their workplaces practices simpler to instigate brand champions, improve the experience of the customer and drive business performance’’
How Chief Marketing Officers Can Help Build a Culture of Simplicity
A culture of simplicity can be built by first starting with fixing the basics. This can be done by evaluating the company’s processes, incentives, structures and communications. All obstacle to productivity in the workplace should be reduced to the minimum. The use of plain and clear language should be adopted while endeavouring to set time limits and goals for every meeting. The purpose and vision of the company should be communicated clearly, ensured it is understood and imbibed by every member of the company while also helping each team member understand how their roles help contribute to the growth and development of the business.