Discovery Insure CEO on the new normal of workplace flexibility

The landscape of workplace flexibility has been rapidly changing, with hybrid arrangements becoming the new norm. Robert Attwell, the CEO of Discovery Insure, recently shared valuable insights on how these changes are impacting productivity and engagement among employees. Through their program Vitality Drive, Discovery Insure has been able to gather telematics data that sheds light on driving behaviors post-pandemic. An interesting statistic revealed that 47 percent of their drivers are currently adopting hybrid work models, with only 23 percent of those who started working hybrid during the pandemic still not back in the office full time. The data further indicates that around 75 percent of workers are going into the office more than three days a week, signaling a significant shift in behavior compared to the COVID-19 period. Interestingly, Wednesday stands out as the most popular day to be in the office, with over 80 percent of drivers commuting on that day, possibly due to the preference for face-to-face interactions over virtual meetings. Conversely, Fridays appear to be the least popular day for in-office work, hinting at a potential drop in productivity towards the end of the week. Attwell pointed out that certain skill sets thrive in hybrid scenarios, while office-based employees with technology requirements tend to be the most productive. The flexibility of being in the office allows some employees to manage personal tasks during the week, leading to a reduced need for weekend errands. This flexibility has become an integral part of Discovery's employee value proposition, aligning with a post-COVID need to support hybrid working models. Moreover, the financial aspect plays a crucial role in driving the adoption of hybrid work arrangements. Discovery's fuel cashback rewards program incentivizes clients to save on fuel costs by working from home. Attwell emphasized the importance of optimizing hybrid arrangements to maximize cost savings and productivity, highlighting the added value this brings to employees. In terms of talent acquisition, the rise of hybrid work has opened up the possibility of hiring international candidates for specialized roles. While prioritizing local talent, Discovery recognizes the benefits of a global talent pool in certain niche areas. The alignment of shared values, such as incentivizing clients to manage risks and promoting safer roads, has strengthened customer loyalty and engagement. Regarding younger generations entering the workforce, Attwell noted an increase in engagement among young members through gamification and financial awareness initiatives. The shift towards hybrid environments is gradually aligning with the mindset of newer employees, who are adapting to the changing dynamics of work. As a leader, Attwell highlighted the importance of being physically present in the office to effectively lead an organization, emphasizing the value of being on-site to understand and connect with the frontline operations. While embracing hybrid working to a certain extent, he remains a firm advocate for maintaining a regular presence in the office. The insights shared by Robert Attwell reflect a nuanced understanding of the evolving workplace dynamics and the strategic implications for organizations in navigating the new normal of workplace flexibility.