Workplace Transformation: Overcoming Covid-19 Challenges at Waitrose

This research project investigates the role of workplace transformation in helping Waitrose overcome challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic. It explores the concept of workplace transformation, examines the challenges Waitrose faced due to its absence, and investigates its role in mitigating these challenges. The research employs a positivism philosophy and a deductive approach, utilizing a survey strategy and mono-method quantitative data collection. Data is analyzed using frequency distribution, with a sample size of 30 employees. The findings highlight the necessity of workplace transformation for Waitrose's success during the pandemic, emphasizing its importance in empowering employees, improving collaboration, enhancing skills, and enabling productive remote work. Key challenges addressed include poor resource management, lack of communication, and low productivity. The study concludes with recommendations for leveraging digital communication systems, eliminating middlemen, and enhancing employee skills to foster organizational development and growth.

Research project
(To identify the role of workplace transformation in
overcoming the problem faced by the organisation during
Covid- 19 pandemic)
1

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
Research aim................................................................................................................................3
Research objective.......................................................................................................................3
Research question........................................................................................................................3
Research rational.........................................................................................................................4
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................5
What is the Concept of workplace transformation within the organisation?...............................5
What are the challenges faced by Waitrose due to absence of workplace transformation during
Covid 19?.....................................................................................................................................5
What is the role of workplace transformation in mitigating the challenges faced during Covid
19 pandemic for Waitrose?..........................................................................................................6
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY....................................................................................................7
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION.............................................................................9
Data presentation.........................................................................................................................9
Data interpretation.....................................................................................................................10
REFLECTION AND RECOMMENDATION FOR ALTERNATIVE METHODOLOGY........16
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................16
RECOMMENDATION.................................................................................................................17
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................18
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................19
2

INTRODUCTION
Workplace transformation is a concept of rethinking a flexible workspace in order to
accommodate various works, workers and technology. With the constant change in the work,
workplace transformation is being evolving at fast rate in order to support the changes. During
the hit of the Covid 19 pandemic workplace transformation has played a significant role to
overcome from the problem of working in effective and efficient manner. Workplace
transformation is all about improving the skills, tools and abilities so that organisation and
employees can be developed in effective manner (Selimović, Pilav-Velić and Krndžija, 2021).
Transformation of the workspace helps in combining various elements all together in order to
take different initiative for smooth working during any crisis. For conducting this research, the
chosen organisation is Waitrose. Waitrose is a British supermarket brand which was founded in
1904. The supermarket was founded by Wallace Waite, Arthur Rose and David Taylor. The
headquarter of the brand is situated in London, United Kingdom. Waitrose operate their business
in United Kingdom and Channel Islands. They also export their product in more than 52
countries and mostly in Middle East. The current research project is based on the role of
workplace transformation in overcoming from the problem faced by Waitrose during Covid 19
pandemic (Peikes and et. al, 2019).
Research aim
To identify the role of workplace transformation in overcoming the problem faced by the
organisation during Covid- 19 pandemic: A study on Waitrose.
Research objective
 To understand the Concept of workplace transformation within the organisation.
 To examine the challenges faced by Waitrose due to absence of workplace transformation
during Covid 19.
 To investigate the role of workplace transformation in mitigating the challenges faced
during Covid 19 pandemic for Waitrose.
Research question
 What is the Concept of workplace transformation within the organisation?
 What are the challenges faced by Waitrose due to absence of workplace transformation
during Covid 19?
3

 What is the role of workplace transformation in mitigating the challenges faced during
Covid 19 pandemic for Waitrose?
Research rational
The main purpose for conducting the current research is to gain a detailed understanding
about the role of workplace transformation for improving organisational performance during the
pandemic Covid 19. This report also highlights the different challenges that are faced by the
organisation in the absence of workplace transformation. The current research topic is of great
interest for me as it will help in attaining two vital objectives that are personal and professional.
In respect of personal objective, the present investigation will enhance my knowledge about
different methods use for completing research report in systematic and accurate manner. This
report will also help me in identifying various challenges faced by employee so that I can easily
deal with the situation in real life. On the other hand, in respect to professional objective, I will
learn about the importance of workplace transformation in an organisation. This will help me
when I will be working in a cooperative sector so that my professional career can be developed
effectively. Thus, the present research is quite vital for me as it fulfils personal and professional
objective (Poustchi and et. al, 2018).
4

LITERATURE REVIEW
It is that section in the research which contain past publish secondary data from various
sources. This part is important as researcher use this information as a foundation to enhance their
skills and knowledge regarding the chosen topic.
What is the Concept of workplace transformation within the organisation?
As per the view of van de Ruit and Bosk (2021), workplace transformation is a concept of
rethinking a flexible workspace. With the help of workplace transformation various kinds of
tools, technique and work are being accumulated together in an organisation. Workplace
transformation is an initiative that leads employee to respect their company, their job in more
positive manner. In recent time after the hit of the pandemic the concept gain more importance
and is being acquired by many organisations to reduce their complex work. Various technology
is being integrated with the work and workers to make a smooth working environment for their
workforce (Redlein, Höhenberger and Turnbull, 2020).
What are the challenges faced by Waitrose due to absence of workplace transformation during
Covid 19?
According to the view of Labrague and McEnroe‐Petitte (2018), there are many challenges
faced by Waitrose in absence of workplace transformation at the time of Covid 19. The foremost
challenge encounter by them is poor planning for managing the resources in effective way.
During the Covid 19 most of the work are done remotely so managers and employee does not
have proper technology to manage their resources and increase their productivity. Lack of
integration between the man, machine and material was there which creates problem to work in
effective manner. Another challenge is lack of communication was there which is problematic as
sharing of important messages at the time is not getting. Waitrose does not have any internal
communication for remote working this crtes issue at the time of Covid 19 were restriction as
imposed to work from the office. One of the crucial challenge that was faced by employee is low
productivity. While working remotely the motivation among employee to work is so low that this
affect their working in more energetic and enthusiasm manner (Gordon and Fabiano, 2019).
5

What is the role of workplace transformation in mitigating the challenges faced during Covid 19
pandemic for Waitrose?
As per the view of Iivari, Sharma and Ventä-Olkkonen (2020), workplace transformation
plays a different role in mitigating the problem faced by Waitrose during Covid 19. Some of the
role they play is designing digital communication system so that sharing of message can be done
accurately. This help them to integrate with each other and share valuable information which is
necessary for business operation. Another is eliminating the middlemen, during Covid 19 it is
very risk to follow a lengthy process to sale their product. So company discarded middlemen and
start delivering the good and service directly to the customer. One of the vital role that is played
while adopting the strategy of workplace transformation is enhancing the skills and knowledge
of the employee according to the current needs and wants. This aids them to develop themselves
in more professional way and also assist to change their traditional working with modern way so
that they develop a skills of learning new things (Bartsch, and et. al, 2020).
6

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research methodology plays a vital part in achieving the aims and objective in accurate
way. It is a systematic process to identify, analyse and interpret the information collected for the
selected study. Research methodology uses various philosophy and approaches to collect and
amylase the validity and reliability of data (Bairagi and Munot, 2019).
Research philosophy: Research philosophy is divided into two parts which is positivism
philosophy and Interpretivism. In present research positivism philosophy is selected to identify
and analyse data. The reason behind it is that it will identify quantitative information in more
generalised and objective manner.
Research approach: Inductive and deductive are the two ways through which theories and
hypothesis can be tested. As per the present investigation, researcher has selected deductive
approach for testing the theories. It is selected because it will test theories based on quantitative
data in more accurate manner and in least time. Another advantage is that it will evaluate
existing numerical theories in quick manner (Walseth, Engebretsen and Elvebakk, 2018).
Research strategy: There are different types of strategy that can be used to collect
information. Some of them are survey, case study, experimental, action research and many more.
In current investigation, examiner has selected survey strategy to gather numerical data from
wider population and this is one of the convenient way for data gathering.
Research choice: Research choice is of two type that is quantitative and qualitative. Further,
they are classified into mono method, mixed method and multi method. In present study
researcher has selected mono method to gather quantitative information at single time (Haghani,
Bliemer and Hensher, 2021).
Time horizon: Time horizon is divided into two parts: cross sectional and longitudinal. As
per the current investigation cross sectional time horizon is used to know the point of time for
collecting data. This is used because it takes short time for gathering information.
Data collection: Data collection is the process of gathering and measuring information.
They are two data collection process which are primary data collection and secondary data
collection. As per the current investigation, investor has chosen primary data collection. The
major benefit behind this is that it will collect fresh data direct from the respondent. Information
that is gathered in this is not used earlier in any research (Zhou and et. al, 2018).
7

Data analysis: It is the process of applying systematic technique for evaluating and
measuring collected data. Frequency distribution and thematic are the data analysis technique. In
present research, researcher has selected frequency distribution technique to evaluate data. The
advantage to use this method is that raw data can be presented in organised way and evaluating
information will take less time as compare to thematic. The information which is measured in
this will be quantitative data.
Sampling: Sampling is the process of selecting samples from large population for
measuring data. There are two ways to take out samples that is probability sampling and non-
probability sampling. In current research, probability sampling is chosen and in that random
sampling style will be used. It is being used as participants will be taken out in equal and fair
manner without any biasness. The sample size is 30 employees for Waitrose (Buntin, 2020).
8

DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
Data presentation
Q1) Do you think workplace transformation is necessary for success of
Waitrose during the Covid 19?
Frequency
a) Yes 25
a) No 5
Q2) As per your opinion, what is the importance of workplace
transformation for Waitrose during the pandemic Covid 19?
Frequency
a) Empowering employee to work effectively 3
b) Better collaboration and communication 10
c) Improving workforce skills and tools 9
d) Work productively while working remotely 8
Q3) What are the challenges faced by Waitrose due to absence of
workplace transformation during Covid 19?
Frequency
a) Poor resource management 8
b) Lack of communication 11
c) Low productivity 5
d) Low employee engagement 6
Q4) As per your viewpoint, what is role of workplace transformation in
mitigating the challenges of Covid 19 pandemic within Waitrose?
Frequency
a) Designing digital internal communication system 8
b) Eliminating middlemen 7
c) Adoption of advanced digital technology 9
d) Enhancing skills and knowledge of employee 6
Q5) What is the main benefit obtained by Waitrose in implementing the
strategy of workplace transformation
Frequency
a) Creates more valuable culture 14
b) Allows employee to work remotely 5
9

c) Save time and cost 6
d) Enhance productivity 5
Q6) Do you think, Workplace transformation has a significant impact on
organisational development and growth?
Frequency
a) Positive impact 18
b) Negative impact 7
c) Neutral impact 5
Data interpretation
Q1) Do you think workplace transformation is necessary for success of
Waitrose during the Covid 19?
Frequency
b) Yes 25
b) No 5
Interpretation: From the above accumulated data out of 30 respondents from the Waitrose 25 is
of the view that workplace transformation is very necessary for the company during the time of
Covid 19 as it help them to work effectively in that tough time. Rest 5 employee is of the view
that it is not necessary as it create stress on them to develop skills according to the changing
space.
10

Q2) As per your opinion, what is the importance of workplace
transformation for Waitrose during the pandemic Covid 19?
Frequency
a) Empowering employee to work effectively 3
b) Better collaboration and communication 10
c) Improving workforce skills and tools 9
d) Work productively while working remotely 8
Interpretation: With the above drawn graph, it is interpreted that 3 employee feels that
workplace transformation play an important role in empowering employee to work effectively in
the situation of pandemic. 10 participants are of the view that it helps in collaborating and
communicating in better way while work are being operated remotely. 9 says that workplace
transformation helps the Waitrose to improve workforce skills and tool so that they can be aware
with the advanced technology and the left out 8 participants says that the major importance of
workplace transformation is working in more productive manner while sitting at home or in
remote area.
Q3) What are the challenges faced by Waitrose due to absence of
workplace transformation during Covid 19?
Frequency
a) Poor resource management 8
b) Lack of communication 11
11

c) Low productivity 5
d) Low employee engagement 6
Interpretation: With the assembly piece of data it is being analysed that there are different
challenges faced by Waitrose during the time of Covid 19. Out of 30 employees 8 feel that the
problem that encounter is poor management of resources in terms of man, machine and material,
due to which proper planning is also not able to made. 11 says that the challenges face by the
company in absence of workforce transformation is lack of effective communication which
impact their productivity and performance in greeter sense. 5 feel low productivity is the issue
and 6 is of the view that low employee engagement is the major challenge.
Q4) As per your viewpoint, what is role of workplace transformation in
mitigating the challenges of Covid 19 pandemic within Waitrose?
Frequency
a) Designing digital internal communication system 8
b) Eliminating middlemen 7
c) Adoption of advanced digital technology 9
d) Enhancing skills and knowledge of employee 6
12

Interpretation: From the accumulated information there are so many roles played by Workplace
transformation in mitigating the challenge. 8 says that to overcome the situation they design and
develop a digital communication system which help them to share information while working
remotely. 7 is of the view that they eliminate the middlemen so that spread of virus will be low. 9
says that the company adopted advanced technology to accumulate work and worker and the rest
6 feel that workplace transformation help them to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Q5) What is the main benefit obtained by Waitrose in implementing the
strategy of workplace transformation
Frequency
e) Creates more valuable culture 14
f) Allows employee to work remotely 5
g) Save time and cost 6
h) Enhance productivity 5
13

Interpretation: According to the assembled information through graph, it is assessed that out of
30, 14 employees says that the benefit obtained by Waitrose for workplace transformation is
creating a business environment which is more valued in terms of belief, norms, Surrounding. 5
participants feel that the advantage they obtained is it allows business to adopt the concept of
work from home. 6 feels that it saves time and cost as advanced technology is used which make
the work more flexible. The rest 5 says that it enhanced productivity in greater way.
Q6) Do you think, Workplace transformation has a significant impact on
organisational development and growth?
Frequency
a) Positive impact 18
b) Negative impact 7
c) Neutral impact 5
14

Interpretation: From the above information, it is being interpreted that workplace transformation
has a significant impact on the development and growth of an organisation. Out of 30 employees
18 employee feel it creates a positive impact at the time when there is need for it. Workplace
transformation make the work flexible and smooth without creating much stress. 7 feels that
negative impact was there as they need to learn and adopt new workplace to work and 5 see a
neutral impact of workplace transformation in organisational growth.
15

REFLECTION AND RECOMMENDATION FOR ALTERNATIVE
METHODOLOGY
I feel glad to gain the opportunity to do a research on the topic “To identify the role of
workplace transformation in overcoming the problem faced by the organisation during Covid- 19
pandemic”. While investigating the research, I am able to enhance my learning in border way as
this report tell me about the importance and role of workplace transformation in an organisation
to overcome from the challenges. On the other side, by conducting the research I have
understood the importance of time and cost in order to complete research in systematic manner.
This investigation tells me about how activities can be divided into time so that investigation can
be completed in the apt time. Apart from this, I have acquired various skills and knowledge
regarding how data can be collected, interpreted and time management.
Alternative research methodology
In the existing investigation, research instrument that is developed is Questionnaire for
collecting primary data. The alternative research methodology that can be used by researcher in
future is single data collection technique. In this interview can be formed which will assist them
to collect qualitative information. This can be used as it will help in obtained data that can be
expressed in words and statement. The major drawback of using this strategy is that is require
more time and cost.
CONCLUSION
From the above investigation, it has been concluded that there is a significant role of
workplace transformation in mitigating the challenges faced by organisation during the time of
Covid 19. It is analysed that company faces lot of challenges like poor management,
ineffectiveness in sharing information and message which create problem for both organisation
and employee to work productively and effectively. In order to overcome for the situation
company, start rethinking again to create a workspace which is flexible and accumulate various
task all together. This workplace transformation helps them by playing a role in developing
organisation by allowing remote working, acquiring advanced technology and enhancing
employee skills and knowledge.
16

RECOMMENDATION
By analysing the above research, some recommendation that is suggested to deal with the
challenges of workplace transformation are as follow:
 It is suggested to the top managements of Waitrose to think on continuous basis about the
strategy that they can adopt to transfer their workplace in innovative and creative manner.
They can train and develop their employee by telling them the importance of workplace
transformation in recent time so that they can be prepare themselves for any crisis occur
in near future.
 It is also recommended to continuously check on their resources and funds so that they
can invest their capital and resources in more effective manner to deal with any problem
which affect their performance and productivity.
17

REFERENCES
Bairagi, V. and Munot, M.V. eds., 2019. Research methodology: A practical and scientific
approach. CRC Press.
Bartsch, S., Weber, E., Büttgen, M. and Huber, A., 2020. Leadership matters in crisis-induced
digital transformation: how to lead service employees effectively during the COVID-19
pandemic. Journal of Service Management.
Buntin, G.D., 2020. Developing a primary sampling program. In Handbook of sampling methods
for arthropods in agriculture (pp. 99-115). CRC Press.
Gordon, C.T. and Fabiano, G.A., 2019. The transition of youth with ADHD into the workforce:
Review and future directions. Clinical child and family psychology review. 22(3). pp.316-
347.
Haghani, M., Bliemer, M.C. and Hensher, D.A., 2021. The landscape of econometric discrete
choice modelling research. Journal of choice modelling. 40. p.100303.
Iivari, N., Sharma, S. and Ventä-Olkkonen, L., 2020. Digital transformation of everyday life–
How COVID-19 pandemic transformed the basic education of the young generation and
why information management research should care?. International Journal of
Information Management. 55. p.102183.
Labrague, L.J. and McEnroe‐Petitte, D.M., 2018. Job stress in new nurses during the transition
period: an integrative review. International nursing review. 65(4). pp.491-504.
Peikes, D.N., and et. al, 2019. The effects of a primary care transformation initiative on primary
care physician burnout and workplace experience. Journal of general internal
medicine. 34(1). pp.49-57.
Poustchi, H., and et. al, 2018. Prospective epidemiological research studies in Iran (the
PERSIAN Cohort Study): rationale, objectives, and design. American journal of
epidemiology. 187(4). pp.647-655.
Redlein, A., Höhenberger, C. and Turnbull, P., 2020. Workplace management. In Modern
Facility and Workplace Management (pp. 177-222). Springer, Cham.
Selimović, J., Pilav-Velić, A. and Krndžija, L., 2021. Digital workplace transformation in the
financial service sector: Investigating the relationship between employees' expectations
and intentions. Technology in Society. 66. p.101640.
van de Ruit, C. and Bosk, C.L., 2021. Surgical patient safety officers in the United States:
Negotiating contradictions between compliance and workplace transformation. Work and
Occupations. 48(1). pp.3-39.
Walseth, K., Engebretsen, B. and Elvebakk, L., 2018. Meaningful experiences in PE for all
students: An activist research approach. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy. 23(3).
pp.235-249.
Zhou, D., and et. al, 2018. A survey on network data collection. Journal of Network and
Computer Applications. 116. pp.9-23.
18

APPENDIX
Q1) Do you think workplace transformation is necessary for success of Waitrose during the
Covid 19?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2) As per your opinion, what is the importance of workplace transformation for Waitrose
during the pandemic Covid 19?
a) Empowering employee to work effectively
b) Better collaboration and communication
c) Improving workforce skills and tools
d) Work productively while working remotely
Q3) What are the challenges faced by Waitrose due to absence of workplace transformation
during Covid 19?
a) Poor resource management
b) Lack of communication
c) Low productivity
d) Low employee engagement
Q4) As per your viewpoint, what is role of workplace transformation in mitigating the challenges
of Covid 19 pandemic within Waitrose?
a) Designing internal communication system
b) Eliminating middlemen
c) Adoption of advanced digital technology
d) Enhancing skills and knowledge of employee
Q5) What is the main benefit obtained by Waitrose in implementing the strategy of workplace
transformation?
a) Creates more valuable culture
b) Allows employee to work remotely
c) Save time and cost
d) Enhance productivity
Q6) Do you think, Workplace transformation has a significant impact on organisational
19

development and growth?
a) Positive impact
b) Negative impact
c) Neutral impact
20