Tomorrow's workers will be more dynamic and flexible

The future of work is already here, and it’s being considered as the new norm. It has ignited what the industry is calling the ‘largest work-from-home experiment’. Supria Dhanda, Vice President and Country Manager at Western Digital India, talks about these changes.



What have been the changes in data usage/volume after the Covid-19 virus broke out and the global WFH cases spiked to record levels?

With the change in the working model, data consumption is certainly growing, and we can expect a huge demand from data centers and laptops for storage. The transition is fast, with more data being stored in the cloud and with additional collaboration tools being deployed, many processes moving digital, there will be a hike in the server, data centers, and storage segments. There is an increase in video consumption across platforms as well—be it one-on-one talks, team meetings, instructional video or usage in a factory and development context. Across industries, we will see a rise in demand which will lead to increase in storage demand not just for cloud but in the flash segment as well.



What about data security and privacy issues as a result of this?

Industries around sectors are switching to a work-from-home platform during these times. This means data transitioning through data systems, mobile computing devices and applications, and thus there is need for new security measures so that users are not prone to risk of someone else accessing their data. Business leaders should work closely with their security teams to recognize possible sources of threats as a result of more workers working from home and prioritize securing their sensitive information and business-critical data. Providing the right secure competences like secure connections to business-critical cloud and on-premise applications, endpoint protection on all employee devices and automated threat intelligence to block out any ransomware is key.

Has there been a disruption in the global/national data/hardware supply chain? How are you coping with that? Have any product launches been delayed?

Our manufacturing, logistics and operations teams are working meticulously since the outset of the COVID-19 epidemic to move demand from affected suppliers, adjust transportation routes, and continue factory operations while ensuring the health of our workers, vendors, and communities. We are working with local governments and authorities to manage any logistical limitations. While we have taken a slow road in these times in terms of the supply of our products, we have observed the rising demand for storage especially during this time. We’re seeing increase in online activity, cloud computing and smart devices. We know the significance of the critical technology powering the world’s efforts and are doing everything we can to keep up with the demand for our technology and solutions.



How are you personally coping in the crisis and what are your tips for both individuals and corporates?

At Western Digital, we have set up an internal team to perform essential/mission critical services, well aligned to Government norms and industry guidance. These crisis management teams are cross functional in nature and are fully empowered to bring about normalcy. Also, communication is the key to manage any situation and contain any uncertainty. This is a unique situation which has not happened before, with swift decision making and simple and clear communication with all employees, one can sail through these challenging times. We have always encouraged a flexible work policy with our employees, which is also one of the reasons we have adapted well to this remote working situation. Ensuring the IT Infrastructure is in place as it is truly the backbone of any business and swiftly mobilising most of the workforce to work from home has been advantageous. Personally, I like to plan my day with a clear and calm mind and in this stay-home situation. I have substituted my walks in the park with yoga and short strolls on the terrace. As we attempt to go about our business, it is critical to put people and their safety first and it’s important to coach our teams to be more empathetic. During this ‘new normal’ we are encouraging our employees to stay home, continue to stay engaged with teams, spend time with their loved ones, and do their best to maintain a work-life harmony.

How do you think both the data/cloud and IT landscape will change once this whole crisis is over? Will we see a cultural shift too?

There is no question that tomorrow's workers would be more dynamic and flexible. The future of work is already here, and it’s being considered as the new norm. Coronavirus has ignited what the industry is calling the ‘largest work-from-home experiment’. Companies are suddenly having to enable an increasingly mobile workforce. This pandemic has given a signal to all organizations that it’s time to revisit their remote working policies and redesign them for wider application for business. In the coming years, we will be seeing a flexible working environment, and a greater dependency on cloud. We are foreseeing innovations which will help corporates as well as employees to build an infrastructure which encourages secure networks and flexibility. This is a truly digitalised workforce era one that promotes plug in from anywhere anytime and define newer ways of being productive and being engaged.