Impact of Global Pandemic on Workplace Transformation: A Case Study of Marks and Spencer

This research project aims to analyze the impact of global pandemic on accelerating workplace transformation based on the case study of Marks and Spencer. The study identifies the concept of workplace transformation, ascertains the impact of global pandemic on workforce transformation at M&S, analyzes reasons due to which workplace transformation is an issue in recent global pandemic at M&S, and recommends new strategies for enhancing workplace transformation at M&S.

Research Project

Table of Contents
Table of Contents................................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................3
Aim —.........................................................................................................................................3
Objectives -.................................................................................................................................3
Research Questions -...................................................................................................................3
Cost — ....................................................................................................................................3
Rationale —................................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY.......................................................................................................................................4
Literature Review -.....................................................................................................................4
Research Methodology...............................................................................................................5
Data Analysis -............................................................................................................................6
REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................13
Questionnaire............................................................................................................................14

INTRODUCTION
Aim — To analyze impact of global pandemic on accelerating workplace transformation — As
study on M&S.
Objectives -
 To identify concept of workplace transformation.
 To ascertain impact of global pandemic on workforce transformation at M&S.
 To analyse reasons due to which workplace transformation is issue in recent global
pandemic at M&S.
 To recommend new strategies for enhancing workplace transformation at M&S.
The objectives links with the aims and literature which helps in understanding and analyzing the
impact of global pandemic on accelerating workplace transformation which is based on the case
study of Marks and Spencer.
Research Questions -
 What are the concepts of workplace transformation?
 What is the impact of global pandemic on workforce transformation at M&S?
 What are the reasons due to which workplace transformation is issue in recent global
pandemic at M&S?
 What are the recommended strategies for enhancing workplace transformation at M&S?
Cost — The cost of the research project which is taken into consideration is $500.
Rationale —
The topic which is to analyze the impact of global impact of pandemic on accelerating
workplace transformation helps in knowing that how the research is being conducted and in what
manner pandemic has impacted Marks and Spencer at large scale. The impact of pandemic also
is determined with the help of formation of how effectively and in appropriate manner the
organization is initiating the transformation in an effective and efficient manner (Dewasiri and
et.al., 2018). The impacts of the pandemic has affected the workplace and its changes which are
seen as transformation which helps in knowing the basis through which the changes are
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observed. The research is conducted for knowing the negative impacts which are observed and
have affected the workplace which is M&S organization.
MAIN BODY
Literature Review -
Concept of Workplace Transformation
According to Williams and et.al., (2018), Workplace transformation is the term which is
defined as rethinking of flexible workspace which accommodates different kinds of works,
employees and technology. This helps in knowing the basis as to how effectively and in
appropriate manner the workplace is being utilized for growth and development. Workplace
transformation includes floor plans, tailored budgets and workplace transformation tools which
helps the company in regaining and knowing the aspects as to how the workplace is being
transformed by adopting the techniques and tools helping in proper and systematic work which is
undertaken in the company.
As per Meske and et.al., (2021), Workforce transformation is the method of improving
the skills, abilities which helps in changing the aspects as to how effectively the changes are
being taken into consideration at large scale. Workplace transformation also helps in keeping up
to date with the changes taking place within organization. The main aim of the workforce
transformation is that it helps in analyzing the techniques which are adopted by the organization.
Impact of global pandemic on workforce transformation
As described by Caligiuri and et.al., (2020), Pandemic has largely impacted the
workforce transformation as the business had to shift to the to remote working and enhance the
ways of their technology which brings the digital technology maintain the business and its
working processes at large scale. The workplace have been digitally transformed which has
created value for the work which the employees of the organization have been provided. There
are various techniques and tools which are worked upon for analyzing the basis through which
digital tools are adopted. Global pandemic has changed the way organization's used to work and
this has introduced the digital transformation which has made easy the work and has improved
the performance of the employees.
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As denoted by Hwang and et.al., (2020), Global pandemic has impacted the workforce
transformation as organization has developed hybrid work model by knowing how effectively
the employees are improving their performance. Pandemic has also changed the rules and
regulations of work which has been shifted to working remotely with the changes within
technology.
Reasons due to which workplace transformation is issue in recent global pandemic
As per view of Fletcher and et.al., (2020), Global pandemic which is Covid — 19 has
affected the workplace transformation. Workplace transformation has been an issue which has
affected the working and the processes of the organization at large scale and this has also created
many problems as the technological changes have been adopted making the work more difficult.
The reasons due to which workplace transformation has created issue in recent global pandemic
are described as -
 The workplace transformation has made the work to be remotely done but due to lack of
technologies employees find difficulty in working from home.
 There is failure in productivity which has been observed in the employees' performance.
 Lack of communication is the major issue in recent global pandemic which has affected
the work and created more problems and confusions.
 The compatibility of the transformation has affected the employees and there is much of
the absenteeism which has been faced by the organization.
Therefore, these are the major reasons which have impacted the growth and development of the
workplace transformation which has become an issue.
Research Methodology
Research Type — Research is defined as logical and systematic search which helps in knowing
further what are the types of research. There are two types of research which are qualitative and
quantitative. Qualitative research is the research helps in determining the data which is gained
from first-hand observation and is gained through research (Allan, 2020). Quantitative research
is the research which is based on collection of the data by collection of statistics and numbers.
The researcher in this research follows the qualitative research which is based on collection of
data which is based on qualitative type research which is conducted effectively.
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Research Approach — Research approach is defined as the plan and procedure which is done
for the research. There are two types of research approaches which are inductive and deductive.
The inductive research approach is defined as the research for the observation and provides
methods for reasoning at large scale. The deductive approach is concerned wit the hypothesis
which is based on the theory which is existing. The researcher in this research follows inductive
research approach which helps in knowing how the observation is being done and reasoning is
provided through the observation which is analysed at large scale effectively. The inductive
research approach is presumably used for the reference of view of the world and the belief that
the work is exploratory rather than explanatory. This statement clearly defined and states that the
inductive approach is the best kind of approach which is being used for this project as the project
is whole explanatory. The prior knowledge and understanding helps in enabling the aspects of
research to be framed in a proper manner with the help of explaining each aspect in detail
undertaken within the research. This is why the belief is that the work is exploratory and not
explanatory.
Data Collection — Data collection is defined as procedure of collecting, measuring and
analysing the data within research which is conducted. There are two types of data collection
methods in research which are primary and secondary data collection. Primary data collection is
defined as process of gathering data with help of questionnaire, surveys and interviews.
Secondary research is type of data collection which is collected by some else other than primary
user (Clark and et.al., 2018). The researcher in this research follows primary and secondary data
collection methods which helps in analysing aspects as to how effectively the data is being
collected for research.
Sampling — Sampling is defined as the population which is taken for the research. It is the
subset which contains larger population and this helps in knowing the basis through which the
sample size which is 20 respondents are taken with the help of questionnaire which has been
framed effectively and in appropriate manner. The sampling size will help in providing proper
scale through which research is being conducted in appropriate manner. The sample size 20
respondents which are taken for this research are creating the aspects which help in conducting
the research successfully in effective manner for implementation effectively. For example –
With the help of samples collected it becomes easy to determine and understand the total number
of participants who are interested in taking part in the survey being conducted for the research
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undertaken. The sampling approach is a method which helps in addressing the aspects of how
many samples is collected at large scale. The evidence is that this research project helps in
understanding the aspect of how effectively and in appropriate manner the samples are collected
and results are obtained in an appropriate manner.
Data Analysis -
Q1. What according to you is the concept of workplace transformation?
Options Frequency
Rethinking workplaces which are flexible 5
Accommodating employees within
organization
4
Exploring budgets and technological tools 3
No idea 8
Total 20
Frequency
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20 Rethinking
workplaces which
are flexible
Accommodating
employees within
organization
Exploring budgets
and technological
tools
No idea
Total
Interpretation — It is interpreted that 20 out of 5 individuals think that rethinking workplace
transformation is the concept of workplace transformation. 20 out of 4 individuals think that
accommodating employees within organization is the concept of workplace transformation. 3 out
of 20 individuals think that exploring budgets and technological tools is the main concept of
workplace transformation. And the rest 20 out of 8 individuals have no idea about the concept of
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workplace transformation. This helps in analysing the core concepts as to majority of individuals
do not know the concepts of workplace transformation.
Q2. In what ways are workplace transformation is important for Marks and Spencer?
Options Frequency
To empower employees within organization 4
To increase morals and productivity 5
Leading innovations with transformation 2
No idea 9
Total 20
Frequency
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
To empower
employees within
organization
To increase morals
and productivity
Leading innovations
with transformation
No idea
Total
Interpretation — It is interpreted that 20 out of 4 individuals think that empowering employees
within organization is the effective way for workplace transformation within Marks and Spencer.
20 out of 5 individuals think that increase in morals and productivity is the effective manner for
workplace transformation within organization. 20 out of 2 individuals think that leading
innovations with transformation is important for workplace transformation. While, 20 out of 9
individuals do not have any idea. This implies that the respondents are unaware of the ways
which are important for workplace transformation.
Q3. What is the impact of global pandemic on workplace transformation?
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Options Frequency
Failure of technology 6
Work from home becomes a problem 7
Lack of engagement of employees within
organization
5
All the above 2
Total 20
Frequency
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Failure of technology
Work from home
becomes a problem
Lack of engagement
of employees within
organization
All the above
Total
Interpretation — It is interpreted that 6 out of 20 individuals think that failure of technology
impacts the workplace transformation due to global pandemic. 20 out of 7 individuals think that
work from home becomes a problem due to the global pandemic. 20 out of 5 individuals think
that lack of engagement of employees within organization impacts the organization at large
scale. 20 out of 2 individuals think that ll the above mentioned options impact the workplace
transformation due to global pandemic.
Q4. What are the strategies which are framed for adopting workplace transformation to be
effective?
Options Frequency
Focus on change management 5
Prioritizing the employee experience 5
9

Evaluating the results 10
Total 20
Frequency
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20 Focus on change
management
Prioritizing the
employee
experience
Evaluating the
results
Total
Interpretation — It is interpreted that 20 out of 5 individuals think that focus on change
management is the strategy which is framed for adopting workplace transformation to be
effective. The other 20 out of 5 individuals think the same. Remaining 20 out of 10 individuals
think that evaluating the results is the effective strategy for adopting workplace transformation.
Q5. What are the challenges which Marks and Spencer faced during the workplace
transformation due to current pandemic?
Options Frequency
Shifting of employees to work from home 4
Difficulty in coping with the technology 9
Lack of resources 7
Total 20
10

Frequency
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20 Shifting of employees
to work from home
Difficulty in coping
with the technology
Lack of resources
Total
Interpretation — It is interpreted that 20 out of 4 individuals think that shifting of employees to
work from home has been the challenge for the organization. 20 out of 9 individuals think that
difficulty in copying with the technology is the challenge which is being faced by Marks and
Spencer. 20 out of 7 individuals think that major challenge is the lack of resources. Therefore,
the lack of resources is the major challenge among all three options which is being faced.
Q6. Do you think organization has positive and negative influence due to the workplace
transformation due to impact of global pandemic?
Options Frequency
Strongly agree 3
Agree 4
Neutral 5
Disagree 4
Strongly Disagree 4
Total 20
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Frequency
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Strongly agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Total
Interpretation — It is interpreted that 20 out of 3 individuals strongly agree that the
organization has positive and negative influence due to the impact of global pandemic on
workplace transformation. 20 out of 4 individuals agree that there is negative and positive impact
of pandemic on workplace transformation. 20 out of 5 individuals are neutral towards the impact
taking place. 20 out of 4 individuals strongly disagree and disagree with the thinking about
positive and negative impact of global pandemic on workplace transformation.
CONCLUSION
Thus, it is concluded from the research that aims and objectives were framed and helped
in knowing how effectively the research questions were being framed. Along with this, literature
review was being performed for detail analysis of the study. And at last data conclusion was
framed along with the graphs which were drawn upon for the research and study to take place in
effective manner.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Allan, G., 2020. Qualitative research. In Handbook for research students in the social sciences
(pp. 177-189). Routledge.
Caligiuri, P. and et.al., 2020. International HRM insights for navigating the COVID-19
pandemic: Implications for future research and practice.
Clark, K.R. and et.al., 2018. Strategies to enhance data collection and analysis in qualitative
research. Radiologic technology. 89(5). pp.482CT-485CT.
Dewasiri, N.J. and et.al., 2018. Mixed methods in finance research: The rationale and research
designs. International journal of qualitative methods. 17(1). p.1609406918801730.
Fletcher, G. and et.al., 2020. Digital transformation during a lockdown. International Journal of
Information Management. 55. p.102185.
Hwang, H. and et.al., 2020. The COVID-19 crisis and its consequences: Ruptures and
transformations in the global institutional fabric. The Journal of Applied Behavioral
Science. 56(3). pp.294-300.
Meske, C. and et.al., 2021. Investigating the elicitation of employees’ support towards digital
workplace transformation. Behaviour & Information Technology. 40(11). pp.1120-1136.
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Williams, S.P. and et.al., 2018. Designs for the digital workplace. Procedia computer
science .138. pp.478-485.
Questionnaire
Q1. What according to you is the concept of workplace transformation?
 Rethinking workplaces which are flexible
 Accommodating employees within organization
 Exploring budgets and technological tools
 No idea
Q2. In what ways are workplace transformation is important for Marks and Spencer?
 To empower employees within organization
 To increase morale and productivity
 Leading innovations with transformation
 No idea
Q3. What is the impact of global pandemic on workplace transformation?
 Failure of technology
 Work from home becomes a problem
 Lack of engagement of employees within organization
 All of the above
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Q4. What are the strategies which are framed for adopting workplace transformation to be
effective?
 Focus on change management
 Prioritizing the employee experience
 Evaluating the results
Q5. What are the challenges which Marks and Spencer faced during the workplace
transformation due to current pandemic?
 Shifting of employees to work from home
 Difficulty in coping with the technology
 Lack of resources
Q6. Do you think organization has positive and negative influence due to the workplace
transformation due to impact of global pandemic.
 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Neutral
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
Q7. Recommend ways which helps in improving the workplace transformation process during
the current pandemic.
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