CISO’s role in hybrid organisations
Remote and hybrid working environments are here to stay for the longer term with many leading organisations already announcing lifetime work from home for a large percentage of their workforce. Notable pros include a better work-life balance, increased productivity as well as time and money savings both for employees and employer.
Cons include less employee engagement and collaboration which may lead to limited employee advancement. Cyber security and employer’s confidential information sharing is a critical concern for most businesses.
Successful organisations will be those who are quick to change their business models to adapt to the current environment with digital transformation being the key factor. Businesses that already used cloud computing for example did not come under the pressure of this pandemic.
Developing training and programs to allow employees to learn new skills will boost organisations to redeploy employees depending on business needs and employee interests.
Also, strategic actions that rebuild resilience faster must be considered. Automation and artificial intelligence for example will enhance the resilience of supply chains. Successful businesses will always need a combination of resilience and agility.
CEO’s and top executives will need to be very effective as clear communicators and their key skills must include adaptability, flexibility, empathy and emotional understanding. They will also need to adapt to managing hybrid teams.
Constant feedback both from employees and customers may help steer the organisation’s business model and strategy in the right direction.
Strategies that are important in order to deal with stressful situations include positive thinking and always reflecting on the purpose. Practicing self-care and paying attention to your physical and emotional well-being is just as important as taking the time to reflect upon achievements. Creating open and transparent communication with the team helps alleviate stress as does a strong support system around you.
Changes in the reporting structure, largely depends on the organisation and their business model and there is certainly no one-size fits all solution. CIO’s are still the foremost leaders in many organisations so far. They have been responsible for taking strategic IT decisions, investments and CISO’s were usually reporting to CIO’s. However, we have witnessed many reporting roles change.
CISO’s may now be reporting to CFOs, and sometimes Chief Risk Officers or a newer designation like Chief Data Officer. It is important however that organisations pay attention to how the digital landscape is evolving and what reporting structure they can implement to maximise internal collaboration, cooperation and performance.
Key challenges include maintaining employee morale due to limited opportunities to interact with the team, as well as workspace concerns and uncertainty with regard to future business growth due to this unprecedented situation.
A key to sustaining business in the longer term and excel further will be the swift adaption to digital transformation. Organisations have to focus on modifying business models, improve innovation all in line with managing costs and cash flow.
Any decision must be made quickly and decisively. Human capital management will be a key factor to an organisation’s success. Creative new ideas are needed to maintain visibility and influence in an organisation considering the limited opportunity for interaction.
Key Takeaways
- Cyber security and employer’s confidential information sharing is a critical concern for most businesses.
- Successful organisations will be those who are quick to change their business models to adapt to the current environment.
- Strategic actions that rebuild resilience faster must be considered.
- Constant feedback from employees and customers may help steer the organisation’s business model.
- CIO’s are still the foremost leaders in many organisations so far.
- CISO’s may now be reporting to CFOs, sometimes Chief Risk Officers or Chief Data Officer.
- It is important that organisations pay attention to how the digital landscape is evolving and what reporting structure they can implement.
CISO’s may now be reporting to CFOs, Chief Risk Officers, Chief Data Officers and it is important to pay attention to how the digital landscape is evolving.
