MEMBERNEWS The revolution of smart working


A business transformation professional has taken the old saying of 'work smarter, not harder' to the next level in a new venture to transform how organisations work. Ruth Gawthorpe has founded


The Smart Working Revolution, which aims to boost UK business productivity, give a better quality of life for workers and make a positive impact on society. This process started last month,


when 40 East Midlands-based business leaders got together to celebrate the national launch of the Smart Workforce model. Ruth’s career started with management training in retail before becoming Head of HR at the American Adventure theme park near Ilkeston. In 1993 she obtained her certificate from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development after studying at the University of Derby. Ruth became Head of HR for a


Nottingham-based warranty firm where she first implemented smart working option. She went on to be HR Director for a global outsourcer


Ruth Gawthorpe


and in 2012 set up Change Directors, transforming businesses here and abroad by engaging and communicating with employees. In 2013 she developed an injury


that confined her to a wheelchair for a year, which led to her lightbulb moment. Ruth said: “My experience drove


me to realise there are many people in this world who, for one reason or another, can't do the traditional 9-5 commute. But they still have a variety of skills which can benefit organisations and which companies are looking for.


‘My experience drove me to realise there are many people in this world who, for one reason or another, can't do the traditional 9-5 commute to work five days a week’


“Flexible working does not just


mean accommodating workers' needs after parental leave. It's a whole range of possibilities such as working in localised hubs, home working, working remotely one or two days a week to skilfully scheduling staff hours to match demand. Work happens in brains not in offices. “National productivity levels


have fallen behind our European counterparts and the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey highlights that regional employers are struggling to access skilled labour. UK business leaders need to take action.” The Smart Working


Revolution encompasses a range of proven methods for implementing new ways of working and brings together organisations which have successfully used these principles to change how they work and get the best from employees.


It includes networking and


access to tried-and-tested templates, while companies can seek to gain a smart-working quality mark to attract workers. Ruth added: “My experience,


backed up by various reports, shows that production increased by 13% when smart working is effectively deployed. We are ready to share our formula for success with other organisations.”


James Healey


Better connectivity is the key to success


Chamber Patron Air-IT has responded to the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) for Q1 2018, which suggests that better connectivity will be key to the future success of businesses in the region. Based on mid-survey analysis,


the issue was listed as the single biggest concern amongst 89% of regional businesses. A further 53% said better broadband speed and reliability were very important. According to IT and


Communications service provider Air-IT, the results confirm the need for companies to invest in technology if they wish to meet their business goals and ambitions. James Healey, Managing Director


14 business network May 2018


‘Our reliance on connectivity has never been higher’


at Air-IT, said: “Our reliance on connectivity has never been higher and instant access to the internet is increasingly expected. The growing demand for cloud computing and unified communications means many businesses depend on mobility and good connectivity to operate efficiently. “Giving the workforce the proper equipment to use these tools effectively is key to staying productive and competitive in today’s market and will pay back dividends in the long run.”


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