Research Report: Morrison's Digital Workplace Transformation Study

This research report examines the digital workplace transformation within Morrison's during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the role of advanced technologies for employees. It explores the concept of digital transformation, its importance for employees, and the challenges faced by Morrison's in adopting it as a business strategy. The research employs a positivism philosophy and a deductive approach, utilizing a survey strategy with a quantitative mono-method. Data was collected through questionnaires from a sample of 30 Morrison's employees and analyzed using frequency distribution. The findings highlight the importance of people, technology, flexible integration, and strategy in digital workplace transformation, as well as the challenges related to team conflicts, ineffective communication, and employee motivation. The report concludes with recommendations for alternative research methodologies and strategies for Morrisons to enhance their workplace transformation initiatives.

Unit 11: Research Project
(Workplace transformation within an organisation)

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
Research topic........................................................................................................................3
Research aim and objectives..................................................................................................3
Research rationale..................................................................................................................3
Research questions.................................................................................................................4
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................5
What is the concept of digital workplace transformation introduced by organisation during
global pandemic COVID-19...................................................................................................5
What is the importance of advanced technologies for employees of Morrison to carry out their
roles within workplace transformation due to COVID-19.....................................................5
What are the challenges faced by Morrison that has let them to adopt digital workplace
transformation as business strategy........................................................................................6
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.....................................................................................................7
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATIONS...........................................................................9
Frequency distribution table...................................................................................................9
Data interpretations..............................................................................................................10
REFLECTION & RECOMMENDATION FOR ALTERNATIVE RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY........................................................................................................................16
Reflection.............................................................................................................................16
Recommendation for alternative research methodology......................................................16
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION.............................................................................17
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................20
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................21
Questionnaire........................................................................................................................21

INTRODUCTION
Workplace transformation is considered as the arrangement in which flexible rethinking
is arranged in such a manner that using workers and technology business functions can be
executed in effective manner. Workplace transformation provides different benefits to the
organisation and employees such as increasing productivity and morale, collaborating effective
communication, utilising talent in effective manner (Smagulova, Tentekbayeva, and Abdin,
2020). The current research report is related with examining the role of advanced technologies
for employees in terms of executing their roles within an organisation during the time of
COVID-19. The current research report is based on Morrisons which is one of the prominent
retailer in UK. Morrisons have scored their position as fourth retailer chain in UK which was
founded in the year of 1899 and headquartered in Bradford, UK.
Research topic
Workplace transformation within an organisation
Research aim and objectives
Research aim
To examine the role of advanced technologies for employees to carry out their roles
within workplace transformation during global pandemic COVID-19. A study on Morrison
Research objectives
 To examine the concept of digital workplace transformation introduced by organisation
during global pandemic COVID-19
 To identify importance of advanced technologies for employees of Morrison to carry out
their roles within workplace transformation due to COVID-19
 To determine the challenges faced by Morrison that has let them to adopt digital
workplace transformation as business strategy
Research rationale
The major rationale behind this research is related with examining the topic of digital
workplace transformation in an organisation (Zimmer, Baiyere and Salmela, 2020). This has
been analysed that during pandemic COVID-19 the digital workplace transformation gained
higher prominence as all the organisations started using such methods in their businesses so that
easy access to business functions can be made. The current research is aimed at satisfying dual

perspectives of the researcher such as personal and professional. In terms of personal perspective
the current research would increase significant skills of researcher in which researcher may use
the same to manage their career aspects. Using this research the researcher will increase different
skills such as research skills, communication skills, analytical skills and many others. On the
other hand, in terms of professional perspective the researcher would be able to manage their
future researches in more appropriate manner so that future researches can be executed in
advantageous manner.
Research questions
 What is the concept of digital workplace transformation introduced by organisation
during global pandemic COVID-19?
 What is the importance of advanced technologies for employees of Morrison to carry out
their roles within workplace transformation due to COVID-19?
 What are the challenges faced by Morrison that has let them to adopt digital workplace
transformation as business strategy?

LITERATURE REVIEW
What is the concept of digital workplace transformation introduced by organisation during global
pandemic COVID-19
As per the view of Franken and Wattenberg (2019), digital workplace transformation can
be defined as a process of using effective digital technologies in order to modifying existing or
creating new culture of business, processes and experience of customers for meeting the
changing marketing and business requirements. Digital transformation generally starts with the
customer and also ends on the part of the customer. The introduction of concept related to digital
workplace transformation in the Covid-19 global pandemic had gained importance as people
started preferring online platforms for selling products and services to the customers.
Transforming the workplace helps in the pandemic time helps in improving the operations of the
business in order to gain the market growth and success in the business market. By adopting
digital technologies with in the workplace, it helps the employees in making the work easier and
more effective and this results in increased growth and profitability. Digital workplace
transformation plays a very important role in an organisation during the time of Covid-19 in
order to survive in the competitive market. It helps in bringing new ways and ideas of doing the
work so that more customers can be retained for increasing sales.
What is the importance of advanced technologies for employees of Morrison to carry out their
roles within workplace transformation due to COVID-19
As per the view of Gikopoulos (2019), having the latest or advanced technology within
the organisation helps in achieving competitive advantage and in providing the best quality of
goods and services to the customers. Technology has helped Morrisons in improving the level of
communication among their employees and senior members in the pandemic time because of the
lock-down situation where all offices, shops were closed for reducing the risk of virus. Digital
technologies help employees of the company in monitoring their health and their behaviour so
that the work with high efficiency and effectiveness by staying at home also. The Covid-19 has
pushed the company to move towards adopting workplace transformation for bringing change in
the style of working and for improving the performance and productivity of employees for
increased growth and success. It helps in providing employees the facility of doing their work
from anywhere and also improved the process of communication among them so that important

information and data can be exchanged among them effectively. Digital transformation helps
employee to carry out their roles and responsibilities in a more efficient manner so that they deal
with the tough crisis situation optimally and give their full potential towards achieving the goals
and objectives of the business.
What are the challenges faced by Morrison that has let them to adopt digital workplace
transformation as business strategy
As per the view of Evans, Pearce Greaves and Blake (2020), Digital transformation is all
about adopting new technologies, software and processes for producing more efficient work and
to improve the process of business operations. There are several challenges faced by Morrison
while adopting digital workplace transformation as a strategy of business. Adoption of new
processes and tools is a major challenge faced by the company as this requires training for
employees so that know how to operate the following software. Evaluating the needs of customer
is also regarded as a major challenge as with the changing workplace environment it is important
for employees to identify the nerds of the customers in he changing market trends and situations.
Lack of IT skills is also a issue that company face as not everyone is trained with the IT related
software, it requires optimum knowledge and skill to get work on these skills. Security concern
is also a major problem that hinders the process of adopting technological changes within the
workplace properly.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research methodology is the process used to maintain the validity and reliability of the
investigation in proper manner. This section helps in gathering and analysing information as per
the topic. This section is further divided into various level which facilitate in carrying out
research appropriately (Mahuika and Mahuika, 2020). With the help of collected and analysed
information researcher obtain research aim and objective in valuable manner. Methodology also
helps the investigator to know which type of information they need in the investigation and what
is the tool which helps them to measure raw data in accurate manner.
Research philosophy: There are two philosophy to know the phenomenon about the type
of data which are positivism and interpretivism. In the current investigation positivism is used as
it helps in understanding the social world in objective manner.
Research approach: Deductive and inductive are the two Data analysis approach. In the
present research Deductive approach has used as it test the pre defined hypothesis with the
assistance of quantitative data (Säfsten and Gustavsson, 2020).
Research strategy: Survey, experimental research, Focus Group and many more are the
kinds of research strategies. In the existing research, researcher has used survey strategy. This is
because volume data is being gathered from large population size. Another reason is less cost is
incurred to collect information.
Research choice: Quantitative and qualitative are the two research choice. In this
investigation mono method is used to collect quantitative data. The reason us that it will gather
numerical Information in less time and cost another reason is that validity and reliability can be
maintained accurately (Thomas, 2021).
Time horizon: It is the time framework to identify the investing time. Cross sectional
and longitudinal are the time frameworks. In the current investigation, researcher has apt for
cross section. Because data are gathered in short span of duration and with more accuracy.
Data collection: It is the process to gather Information about the study. Two ways
through which data can be collected which are primary data and secondary data. In existing
investigation researcher is using both the data. To gather primary data questionnaire iis
developed and secondary data is collected through online site (Fidahic and et. al, 2020).

Data analysis: As per the current investigation frequency distribution technique is used
to inspect and analyse quantitative information in reliable manner.
Sampling: It is the method to take out sample from the wider section. Probability and non
probability are the two sampling technique. In present research, researcher has chosen
probability sampling method and in that random sampling technique is used. The sample size iis
30 employee from Morrison (Iovino and Tsitsianis, 2020).

DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATIONS
Frequency distribution table
Q.1. What are the major elements that should be considered by
Morrisons while developing digital workplace transformation?
Frequency
a) People 9
b) Technology 8
c) Flexible integration 7
d) Strategy and roadmap 6
Q.2. What was the need for Morrison which led them to adopt digital
workplace transformation?
Frequency
a) Team conflicts 5
b) Ineffective communication 7
c) Demotivated staff 8
d) Strengthen role of employees 6
e) Helps in connecting with external parties 4
Q.3. What is the role of digital workplace transformation for employees
of Morrisons to manage their roles during COVID-19?
Frequency
a) Helps in communication 8
b) Cost effective solution to business need 7
c) Helps in giving easy customer support 5
d) Assist in developing productivity 6
e) Increases organisational transparency 4
Q.4. What are the challenges faced by Morrisons during COVID-19 in
managing organisation functions?
Frequency
a) Decreased employee productivity 5

b) Lesser employee engagement 8
c) Delays within business objectives 7
d) Minimised customer footfall 6
e) Issues in executing individual role 4
Q.5. As per your opinion, should Morrisons invest their resources and
time in reshaping workplace transformation strategies?
Frequency
a) Yes 22
b) No 5
c) Can't say 3
Data interpretations
Q.1. What are the major elements that should be considered by
Morrisons while developing digital workplace transformation?
Frequency
a) People 9
b) Technology 8
c) Flexible integration 7
d) Strategy and roadmap 6

a) People
b) Technology
c) Flexible integration
d) Strategy and roadmap
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
9
8
7
6
Interpretation: From the graph shown above this can be summarised that out of 30 respondents,
9 have said that the major element of digital workplace transformation is related with people, 8
have said that the major element is related with technology. 7 respondents have answered that the
major element of digital workplace transformation which should be considered by the
organisation is flexible integration. At last 6 have said that the major element of developing
digital workplace transformation is related with strategy and roadmap.
Q.2. What was the need for Morrison which led them to adopt digital
workplace transformation?
Frequency
a) Team conflicts 5
b) Ineffective communication 7
c) Demotivated staff 8
d) Strengthen role of employees 6
e) Helps in connecting with external parties 4

a) Team conflicts
b) Ineffective communication
c) Demotivated staff
d) Strengthen role of employees
e) Helps in connecting with external parties
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
5
7
8
6
4
Interpretation: From the graph this can be summarised that out of 30 respondents, 5 have said
that in order to mitigate conflicts among team organisation have adopted digital workplace
transformation, 7 have said that due to ineffective communication organisation were led to use
digital workplace transformation in their organisation. 8 have said that in order to manage
demotivated staff organisation have used digital workplace transformation, 6 have said that in
order to strengthen role of employees digital workplace transformation is adopted and at last 4
have said that for developing easy connections within external parties digital workplace
transformation was adopted.
Q.3. What is the role of digital workplace transformation for employees
of Morrisons to manage their roles during COVID-19?
Frequency
a) Helps in communication 8
b) Cost effective solution to business need 7
c) Helps in giving easy customer support 5
d) Assist in developing productivity 6
e) Increases organisational transparency 4

0
2
4
6
8
8
7
5
6
4
Interpretation: From the above graph this can be concluded that out of 30 respondents, 8 have
said that the major role of digital workplace transformation is related with getting assistance in
communication. 7 have said that digital workplace transformation helps in providing cost
effective solutions, 5 have answered that digital workplace transformation helps in giving easy
customer support, 6 have said that it assists in developing productivity and at last 4 have said that
digital workplace transformation helps in increasing organisational transparency.
Q.4. What are the challenges faced by Morrisons during COVID-19 in
managing organisation functions?
Frequency
a) Decreased employee productivity 5
b) Lesser employee engagement 8
c) Delays within business objectives 7
d) Minimised customer footfall 6
e) Issues in executing individual role 4

0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
5
8
7
6
4
Interpretation: From the graph this can be concluded that out of 30 respondents, 5 have said
that during covid the organisation have faced the challenge of decreased productivity. 8 have
said that lesser employee engagement was the major challenge during covid. 7 have said that the
organisation have faced delays in business objectives, 6 have said that the organisation have
faced issues of minimised customer footfall. At last 4 have said that the organisation is facing
issues in executing individual's role in the organisation.
Q.5. As per your opinion, should Morrisons invest their resources and
time in reshaping workplace transformation strategies?
Frequency
a) Yes 22
b) No 5
c) Can't say 3

a) Yes b) No c) Can't say
0
5
10
15
20
25 22
5
3
Interpretation: From the graph this can be summarised that out of 30 respondents, 22 have said
that the organisation should invest their resources and time in developing and reshaping
workplaces transformation strategies.

REFLECTION & RECOMMENDATION FOR ALTERNATIVE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Reflection
The present research is quite significant as it helps in developing my existing knowledge in
wider manner. Through the research i am able to find out my strength and weakness that i have.
The strength which is identifying in this research is good analytical skill which help me in
inspecting the raw data in valuable way. The weakness that i may identify in the research is poor
communication skill which becomes a hurdle in collecting information from the respondent in
flexible manner. To overcome from the weakness i developed closed ended questionnaire so that
minimum interaction can be made.
Recommendation for alternative research methodology
In the current research, quantitative research methodologies were used by which
statistical information was gathered and results were demonstrated in numerical formats using
graphs and charts (Williams and Schubert, 2018). In the future researches, the researcher is
willing to opt qualitative research methods in which interview will be used so that in-depth
information can be acquired and at the same time face to face interactions can be made from
respondents.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Conclusion
It has been concluded from the above gathered information that transforming the
workplace in the time of Covid-19 is important as it helps in bringing new changes and ideas in
order to sustain the tough market conditions. Digital transformation helps in increasing the
efficiency and effectiveness of employees to work towards achieving the desired aims and
objectives of the company. By adopting digital technologies in the company helps in deriving
high profitability and growth in the business market and in enhancing the performance of the
employees. Technology has improved the working culture of the company so that employees fee
confident and dedicated to work in the business for gaining more number of customers and large
share in the competitive market. Communication is an important factor that helps in improving
the coordination and cooperation among employees on online platforms and this results in
completing the project within given time frame. The company also faces challenges that hinders
the growth and success of the business and this requires effective use of building the resources in
an effective manner. It is important for the company to train and educate their employees about
the new technology so that they work with high efficiency and effectiveness for increased growth
and productivity.
Recommendation
It has been recommended to the company that they need to adopt technological
advancement in order to enhance the productivity and performance level in the business.
The company also need to train their employees about the basic program used so that they gain
knowledge and skills regarding new technology and in improving their business operations.
It is important for the company managers to hire and select IT skills person who have
proficient knowledge about the IT field and can work in the company for solving problems
related to technology and this helps in improving the working efficiency of the employees in the
pandemic time.
It is also recommended to the company that it can help in delivering efficient working nature and
positive working environment for the employees in order to make them work with high
confidence towards achieving the goals of the company.

Providing techniques for keeping the data secured is also an important factor that company just
adopt in order to keep the data of employees and business safe and secured from other
competitor companies.
Providing work from home to all employees of the company is a major recommendation the
business manager must consider in order to decrease the risks of virus and to keep the employees
protected from the effect of Covid-19.

REFERENCES
Books and journals
Evans, C., Pearce, R., Greaves, S. and Blake, H., 2020. Advanced clinical practitioners in
primary care in the UK: a qualitative study of workforce transformation. International
journal of environmental research and public health, 17(12), p.4500.
Franken, S. and Wattenberg, M., 2019, October. The impact of ai on employment and
organisation in the industrial working environment of the future. In ECIAIR 2019
European Conference on the Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (Vol. 31).
Academic Conferences and publishing limited.
Gikopoulos, J., 2019. Alongside, not against: balancing man with machine in the HR
function. Strategic HR Review.
Smagulova, A., Tentekbayeva, Z. and Abdin, A., 2020. Strategies and operation principles of
logistic information systems. Scientific Journal of Astana IT University, (1), pp.60-69.
Williams, S.P. and Schubert, P., 2018. Designs for the digital workplace. Procedia computer
science, 138, pp.478-485.
Zimmer, M.P., Baiyere, A. and Salmela, H., 2020. Digital Workplace Transformation: The
Importance of Deinstitutionalising the Taken for Granted. In ECIS.
Mahuika, N. and Mahuika, R., 2020. Wānanga as a research methodology. AlterNative: An
International Journal of Indigenous Peoples. 16(4). pp.369-377.
Säfsten, K. and Gustavsson, M., 2020. Research methodology: for engineers and other problem-
solvers.
Thomas, C.G., 2021. Research methodology and scientific writing. Thrissur: Springer.
Fidahic, M., and et. al, 2020. Research methodology and characteristics of journal articles with
original data, preprint articles and registered clinical trial protocols about COVID-
19. BMC medical research methodology. 20(1). pp.1-9.
Iovino, F. and Tsitsianis, N., 2020. The methodology of the research. In Changes in European
Energy Markets. Emerald Publishing Limited.

APPENDIX
Questionnaire
Q.1. What are the major elements that should be considered by Morrisons while developing
digital workplace transformation?
a) People
b) Technology
c) Flexible integration
d) Strategy and roadmap
Q.2. What was the need for Morrison which led them to adopt digital workplace
transformation?
a) Team conflicts
b) Ineffective communication
c) Demotivated staff
d) Strengthen role of employees
e) Helps in connecting with external parties
Q.3. What is the role of digital workplace transformation for employees of Morrisons to manage
their roles during COVID-19?
a) Helps in communication
b) Cost effective solution to business need
c) Helps in giving easy customer support
d) Assist in developing productivity
e) Increases organisational transparency
Q.4. What are the challenges faced by Morrisons during COVID-19 in managing organisation
functions?
a) Decreased employee productivity
b) Lesser employee engagement
c) Delays within business objectives
d) Minimised customer footfall
e) Issues in executing individual role
Q.5. As per your opinion, should Morrisons invest their resources and time in reshaping

workplace transformation strategies?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Can't say