South Africa’s retail organisations, particularly on-line stores, could expect a significant ramp-up in cybercrime ahead of the holiday season. This is the warning from Deon Smal, CEO of Cyber Insight, a Cape-based cyber security assessment firm.

“While data breaches increased alarmingly during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, organisations - particularly those in the ecommerce sector - can expect a ‘tsunami’ of new attacks as the festive season approaches,” he cautions. “This is as a result of intensified on-line shopping activity which creates more opportunities for cyberattacks.” Smal notes that many companies that supported work-from-home employees during the pandemic – and possibly continue to accommodate a hybrid workforce - have had to take short-cuts in terms of security to rapidly protect sensitive data which is accessed on-line.

“These ‘quick-fixes’ are now leaving these organisations vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. They should be addressed as a matter of urgency,” he says. According to Smal, the most common threat facing SA companies is a ransomware attack, in which criminals encrypt files and then demand a ransom to restore access.

He says that globally, ransomware is viewed as the most malicious of the numerous malware models that were experienced this year. “Smal encourages organisations, of all sizes, to accurately and comprehensively assess their cyber security positions. This will expose possible vulnerabilities which could result in breaches of security within the corporate infrastructure. This includes basic facilities, structures and services on which businesses rely.

“They should also consider penetration testing to prove the existence and determine the extent of their weaknesses before committing to a definitive security solution to ensure that it offers an appropriate level of protection against the most evolved threats and determined cyber-criminals,” he adds.

The Coronavirus pandemic has reset work trends, which has caused employers to rethink their organisation’s operations and strategic goals. It’s up to HR leaders to identify which pre-COVID goals and plans need to be reassessed.

Cost-saving is a major factor being taken into consideration, amongst employee experience. “As we all know, happy employees lead to happy and loyal customers, which results in growth.” says Jason Brooks, Managing Director of Cube Workspace.

So, how do we manage employee experience during a time like this? The needs of employees are evolving as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, calling for employers to set-up a more sophisticated approach, as we enter the next phase of this pandemic.

A McKinsey survey found that remote working employees are seeing more positive effects on their daily work, are more engaged, and have a stronger sense of well-being. The return to work phase is presenting a great opportunity for companies to rethink employee experience, while adapting to rapidly changing circumstances.

Businesses are being encouraged to build on the trust created during the pandemic, by continuing to listen to their workforce. COVID-19 has caused people to experience unprecedented levels of disruption in their homes, as well as their jobs. Today’s employees need to know they are being heard and that their voices are being considered by the organisation they work for.

Employees will expect more flexibility in the workplace; while this is not appealing to everyone, organisations must anticipate that workers may expect more flexible policies in the future. This could include working from home several days a week, or tailoring workdays around your employee’s schedules.

“We have seen a sharp increase in the need for virtual working spaces, as well as companies needing to use office space on an ad-hoc basis,” adds Brooks, “which is why Cube Workspace has launched a new Pay As You Work option, to cater for these business’s needs.

”To ensure that businesses keep abreast with employee expectations, it’s imperative to ensure that feedback is encouraged. Taking current concerns and uncertainties into account; which could include physical safety, travel, ability to complete work timeously, support by management/ team, the quality and frequency of communication etc. Asking specific questions about flexible working arrangements; as well as short, medium, and long-term plans for each team member; to ascertain in which direction the business should be moving in.

Brooks adds “The way your organisation responds to your employee’s needs will have a tangible impact on their satisfaction and work ethic. Organisations who have responded well, will find their staff more engaged which will have a positive impact on employee confidence and connection to the business.”

Customer experience and employee satisfaction are certainly linked. Organisations need to rethink employee experience within the workforce and recognise that happy employees make happy customers

Find out more about Cube Workspace’s office space solutions here: https://cubeworkspace.co.za/solutions/