The Pittsburgh-based management consulting firm developed the assessment using its Digital Discovery® technology to help organizations during the transition to virtual working.

Aspirant, a global management consulting and technology firm, announced that it has developed and released a Virtual Working Effectiveness Assessment at no cost to help companies during the difficult transition of virtual working due to COVID-19. The company's headquarters are in Pittsburgh.

“We’ve seen an increasing need for leaders to understand how their employees are coping with this new work environment, and we wanted to help,” said Mike McClaine, President of Aspirant.

Aspirant designed the 10-question survey to provide a quick, insight-rich pulse on how people working virtually are doing, their connections with managers and team members, common challenges, and what’s helping them be more productive at home. Within 48 hours of closing the survey, companies receive:

• Access to an interactive dashboard with actionable results in a graphical format.
• An understanding of opportunities and challenges teams are experiencing.
• True insights through Digital Discovery®'s ability to connect themes via open-ended responses.
• Access to Aspirant’s technology and organizational effectiveness experts for advice on any issues or challenges.

“Because we built this assessment on our AI-based Digital Discovery^® platform, we’re able to gain deep insights from open-ended responses. From early assessments, we are seeing significant challenges such as technology, co-mingling of work/life routines, and an overbearing number of meetings preventing individuals from getting to their ongoing work,” said Joe Kossler, Sr. Consultant and Digital Discovery^® Lead.

“The emerging insight from surveys completed to date is revealing interesting patterns for employees, and companies to navigate. Adapting to this new environment requires changing ingrained, daily routines; routines we often don’t realize we’ve developed. Our assessment has uncovered some surprising challenges related to this shift in routine,” said Judy Johnson Ph.D., Vice President, and Director of Organizational Effectiveness, regarding the results thus far.

“For example, people complain of exhaustive and ineffective meetings, while at the same time struggling with the lack of personal connectivity. They appreciate the flexibility in schedule that many companies are providing, but miss the rigor of set lunch, breaks, and start and end times," added Johnson "As we navigate this new environment, we will all be challenged to care for our kids, parents, and family while keeping up with the pace of work. It will be important to understand how employees are adjusting to new routines, and how we can help.”

Aspirant has run the assessment for both large corporations and small businesses. Once enough data has been accrued, the company’s longer-term goals for the assessment are to help companies better understand their own industry or region.

“One of the biggest positives we are seeing is that many people enjoy the lack of commute and report that it is leading to greater productivity. In fact, as we begin the transition back to a more normal situation, businesses will need to thoroughly evaluate the virtual model for the long term,” added McClaine. “Over the years, numerous barriers have slowed the transition to virtual working. Regardless of how long the COVID-19 situation lasts, it will be the impetus that breaks down barriers and expedites the current transition to virtual operating models. Companies that most fluidly adapt to the virtual world will have the best opportunity for sustained success.”

To see the report results, Aspirant created a video demo. And for further inquiries or interest in receiving the assessment, access our webpage or contact us at connect@aspirant.com.