^One of the most famous phrases attributed to Albert Einstein is, "The measure of genius is the ability to change." It is more accurate than ever in today's swiftly changing world.

Change is unavoidable, and we must be prepared to navigate it successfully. And, like so many other things, change may travel in both positive and harmful directions. We are practically sure to experience disaster and failure if we fail to manage the stormy seas of change in the proper way.

We will surely grow more clever, insightful, and adaptable as we learn to maneuver through life's changes. To thrive in life and conquer the challenges that come your way, you'll need perception, assessment, and adaptability. When presented with a difference, intelligence is tested by making adjustments and changing subsequent actions accordingly.

When we change, we develop and become wiser in the process. Humans generally thrive on change and expansion, but they might have many inner or outward factors to change.

Trying to maintain everything the same is not only unhealthy but also impossible. You are misinterpreting human traits and thriving if you avoid change.

Adaptability and Workplace

The way we work, live, and interact with one another is changing dramatically. Unprecedented rates of change have emerged from extraordinary technological developments in automation and artificial intelligence, disruptive innovation, and globalisation. As a result, leaders in the business sector are continually rethinking how their companies create value and stay relevant in an unpredictable climate. 

Furthermore, the future of employment is continuously evolving. Technological improvements have decreased the expiry date of staff talents to the point where a typical corporate capability is only relevant for 4.2 years, down from 30 years in 1984. According to the World Economic Forum, 65 per cent of present employment will be obsolete by the time today's primary school students reach the workforce.

What is the adaptability Quotient?

The capacity to decide what is relevant, discard obsolete information, overcome hurdles, and respond to change in real-time is known as the Adaptability Quotient (AQ). Those with a high AQ exhibit the following characteristics:

• Open-mindedness. They actively manage their unconscious prejudices to remain receptive to new ideas.
• They go out of their way to perceive things from other people's viewpoints.
• They place a high value on acquiring new skills and investing in their education to better prepare themselves for an unpredictable future.
  

Adaptable leaders and staff are better suited to meet their company's changing and growing demands – and they're in great demand.

"Adaptability is the quality that distinguishes the survivor from the perished." - Charles Darwin

How can adaptability be developed?

Years of practice responding carefully to problems as they emerge are required for adaptability. You have the power to influence your team and propel your company ahead as a leader. Adaptability, like emotional intelligence, may be increased and enhanced.

• Model the high-AQ behaviour you want your workers to emulate. For example, leaders who adopt the pacesetting leadership style may increase their team's AQ by displaying flexibility and encouraging team members to alter and update their abilities. This will aid in the creation of a stress-resilient and change-adaptive environment.
• Take charge of your educational path. Recognise the importance of continuing your education. Assume responsibility for your education, and you will increase marketability for years to come.
• Decide which positions you want to pursue depending on how much you can learn. Then, make future opportunities to learn critical new skills a priority.

What is agile, and how is it more effective in bringing adaptability to you?

The three pillars of Agile are quality, speed, and value. It encourages people to risk discovering new ideas and developing them with the least amount of danger possible. It's a cycle that starts with an idea and ends with a worthwhile result. It encourages people to take the risk of generating new ideas and developing them with the slightest danger of failure. 

A group of people may work together to develop an idea, correct errors, and make it worthwhile. The possibilities are designed, and duties are shared after the concept is conceived. As a result, more than one team would be working on the idea, each with their skill level in a specific area. If a mistake occurs, only the team assigned to it will reprogram it, saving time and energy for the others.

Three tips to help you develop the mindset to adapt to change: 

Recognise change

One of the most challenging aspects of the process is recognising and embracing change—one of the first things we do as humans are to deny reality. As a result, we frequently ignore the shift to avoid dealing with it, or so we believe. But, on the other hand, denying or postponing this problem may make it worse and more unpleasant than just embracing it from the outset. 

It's critical to acknowledge that change is occurring and to attempt to emotionally and, if possible, physically prepare ourselves for it! Recognising and embracing change is a crucial part of the transformation process.

Maintain a positive attitude

Consider the change in a good light. Rather than focusing solely on the bad, write or speak about why this change could benefit you and any other benefits that may result from it. In times of despair, being optimistic is crucial and an excellent tactic. In any scenario, there are positives, and it is up to you to locate them. 

Ignore your negative feelings about the shift and concentrate on the good, even if only for a short while. This upbeat outlook can assist you in getting through it!

Talk about it

Make a phone call to your best buddy. Speak with a member of your family. Speak with a therapist. It doesn't matter who you talk to, as long as you find someone you can trust and tell them everything. It's critical to express your feelings and discuss them with someone you can trust and rely on. It is a sign of strength, not weakness; to know yourself well enough to recognise that you require support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

This support system may also provide the tools you need to overcome or better adjust to the shift. They can also bring a fresh viewpoint to the problem, which may or may not be beneficial, which is also OK!

Conclusion

Remember, change is unavoidable, and it affects everyone! What distinguishes it is how you respond to the change. And don't be concerned if it takes you longer than someone else; you're all on your road! It takes time to adjust, but if you stay optimistic and open-minded, you will succeed.

^As a co-founder of Power8, I've observed a significant, yet often overlooked, area that affects the health and wellness of employees: the corporate canteen. It's a truth universally acknowledged that good nutrition is a cornerstone of good health. 

Still, what happens when your work, an environment where many of us spend the majority of our time, doesn't support this critical aspect of wellness? That's where Power8’s Corporate Kitchen Makeover comes into play.

Ensuring a Healthy Foundation

Embarking on the journey of creating a healthier corporate kitchen, we commence with an in-depth, meticulous audit. This process isn't just a cursory glance over the pantry or a review of the vending machines. It's an extensive inspection that aligns with Schedule 4 of the FSSA, 2006, aiming to certify that the food served to your diligent employees is wholesome, safely prepared, and hygienically stored.

We do not take this responsibility lightly; we're fully aware of the trust you put in us. This process ensures we are meeting the required health and safety regulations, but more importantly, it is about acknowledging and addressing the crucial role nutrition plays in overall wellness, productivity, and mental agility in the workplace.

"Creating a productive and healthy workforce demands a systemic and sustained approach. It starts in the kitchen."

Setting the Path

Having established a solid foundation through the audit, the next stage in the Kitchen Makeover involves a two-day on-site visit by our dedicated team of experts. These specialists bring a wealth of experience in assessing kitchen layouts, raw material storage areas, food handling and preparation techniques, hygiene, and sanitation practices, and food transportation. Their knowledge and expertise in food safety standards and protocols are pivotal in this phase of the makeover.

Their role isn't limited to merely identifying areas of concern but extends to providing immediate actionable solutions to improve these aspects. By the end of this phase, we ensure the canteen, a vital place in the company, is a hub for wellness and positivity, while still complying with FSSAI guidelines and SOPs.

Investing in Skills

To sustain the changes implemented, we organize a two-day training workshop for food handlers and kitchen staff. We focus on imparting knowledge about the best hygiene and sanitation practices, assessing the quality of raw materials, and preventing food spoilage. Training also involves teaching ways to avoid cross-contamination - a major issue in large kitchens - and how to follow FSSAI guidelines and SOPs.

This training isn't a mere seminar or lecture but a hands-on, practical session. We believe that true learning comes from doing, and so, our training workshops are interactive and engaging, designed to instill best practices and provide a deeper understanding of why they are necessary.

Healthy Menu Planning

With hygiene and safety standards well implemented, the next phase involves the actual food being served - we start the process of healthy menu planning. We collaborate with your chefs, taking into consideration the current menu, the preferences of the employees, and the kitchen capabilities. Our aim is to subtly reduce daily calorie intake, without compromising on the taste or satisfaction of the meals.

We've learned that the secret to a successful health-focused menu is in striking a balance. It’s not about eliminating favorite foods or making drastic changes; it’s about small, sustainable shifts toward healthier choices. For instance, introducing whole grains in place of refined ones, increasing the portion of fresh fruits and vegetables, or using healthier cooking methods.

"The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison." - Ann Wigmore

Weight Loss Challenge

To motivate employees to embrace these healthier food options, we facilitate a 5-week weight loss challenge, tracked through our app - PlanMyFood. This isn't just a competition to lose weight, but a holistic challenge that encourages employees to make smarter, healthier food choices, despite the busyness of their work schedules. This interactive challenge also brings an element of fun and engagement to the workplace, fostering a sense of community and shared goals.

Encouragement and motivation are critical when making lifestyle changes, and our weight loss challenge provides this in spades. Weekly check-ins, healthy recipes, progress tracking, and support from fellow participants make this a positive and motivating experience. The aim is to inspire long-term changes, transforming not just the corporate kitchen but the health and wellness attitudes of the employees.

Re-adjusting Daily Calorie Intake

Adjusting the daily calorie intake in the kitchen menu is the final touch in our Corporate Kitchen Makeover. The objective here is not just weight loss, but optimal health and vitality. By taking into account factors such as portion sizes, food groups, and timing of meals, we strategically redesign the menu to ensure that it's well-rounded and balanced.

This is where our expertise truly shines. Our knowledge of nutritional science allows us to develop menus that cater to diverse dietary needs and preferences. For instance, if your team contains a mix of vegetarians, vegans, and meat-eaters, we can design a menu that everyone will enjoy. In this phase, we also consider factors like dietary restrictions, food allergies, and specific nutritional requirements of your workforce.

Closing Thoughts

The Power8 Corporate Kitchen Makeover is more than a revamp of your canteen; it's an investment in the health, productivity, and well-being of your employees. By optimizing the heart of your workplace – the kitchen – we create an environment that not only feeds the stomachs but also nourishes the health and well-being of your workforce. 

With improved diet and nutrition, you'll notice a boost in morale, productivity, and overall workplace satisfaction, proving that when you invest in your employees' health, the returns are manifold. Remember, a healthier workplace is a happier workplace!