Evonik is shaping the working world with #SmartWork. The accelerated experience with more flexible work models during the pandemic will be further established when restrictions are lifted. For many positions, it is of less importance when and where the job is carried out, so work will be increasingly independent of time and place and more defined by output. Evonik is a specialty chemicals manufacturer and collaboration across all positions is critical to its success. The #SmartWork toolbox will support managers and employees to get the most out of a hybrid mobile working model. #SmartWork is about optimizing virtual collaboration to improve overall performance. In this way, there are more possibilities to attract new talent to Evonik, allowing greater flexibility regarding location and on-site presence. A new common basis is being created for how to work together worldwide in the future, advancing diversity and further internationalization. #SmartWork aligns well with Evonik’s core values of performance, trust, openness and speed. Trust and Openness form the foundation for the working world of the future while the new way of working can drive increased performance and speed. Evonik’s purpose is leading beyond chemistry to improve life, today and tomorrow. When restrictions are lifted, the #SmartWork global framework will apply. A mindset shift to “virtual first” is a core principle to leverage benefits for Evonik. Institutionalizing virtual work is attractive to current and future talent and will also increase productivity while reducing office space, business travel costs and the carbon footprint. The #SmartWork framework is designed to allow for regional adaptation due to regulatory or cultural differences. In North America, there is a strong pull to maximize flexibility based on what was learned during the pandemic. A regional framework and collaboration hub concept have been developed. Preparations to implement the hybrid mobile working model during the second half of the year are under way.

#SmartWork: How evonik adapted to the new working paradigm of the pandemic

ACS Fall 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.