Digital Work Environment 2021: How Companies Navigated Change During the COVID-19 Crisis

A retrospective look at the digital transformation of the working world - with focus on solutions form die DEKR Arbeit Group. 

2021 - The Year of the Digital Workplace

In 2021, the COVID-19 crisis continiued to dominate the economy - yet at the same time,, it opened a new chapter in the world of work. What had once been a vision of the future became a necessity: digital transformation. Remote work, virtual communication, new work models, and digital business processes became the new normal. 

Boban Kudranovic, Head of Marketing at DEKRA Arbeit Group, sums it up: “Companies and organizations should no longer waste time and must drive forward their digitalization efforts immediately. The more digitally equipped they are in the future, the more flexible and resilient they will be in times of crisis.” it 

COVID-19 as a Catalyst for Digital Transformation 

Many companies were forced to act quickly in 2020 and 2021. Digitalization – often delayed – suddenly became a survival strategy. Organizations with existing digital infrastructure could react swiftly, while others had to catch up. 

DEKRA Arbeit Group seized this opportunity and invested strategically in digital solutions, including: 

• Digital staffing and recruitment 
• Online application processes 
• Virtual onboarding 
• Cloud-based project collaboration

New Digital Business Models: From Analog to Innovative 

Digital transformation istg more than just shifting from offline to online. It´s about automating processes, delivering data-driven services, and creating digital costumer experiences. 

For example, DEKRA Arbeit Group leverages digital tools to connect candidates and companies fast and more precisely. AI-powered matching systems and online communication tolls enhance both speed and quality in recruitment. 

E-Learning: Upskilling Employees Digitally 

A key component of the digital workplace is employee development through e-learning. This flexible, location-independent form of training aligns perfectly with modern working models. 

Advantages of e-learning include: 

• Time- and location-independent learning 
• Personalized learning pace 
• Cost-efficiency compared to in-person seminars 
• Easy integration into daily work routines 

DEKRA Akademie, a DEKRA Arbeit Group company, offers a wide range of online courses – from occupational safety and digitalization to industry-specific topics.

Boban Kudranovic explains: “E-learnings offer an excellent way to explore a topic individually or deepen existing knowledge. For companies, they are more cost-effective in the long term compared to in-person training, which often involves travel and accommodation expenses. That said, in-person sessions remain indispensable in many professions – especially when personal interaction or hands-on learning is essential.”

Digital Communication and Collaboration

Instant messaging, video conferencing, and project management tools have become standard in the digital workspace. At DEKRA Arbeit Group, numerous collaboration tools have been introduced to ensure productive teamwork – even across different locations. 

Examples include: 

• Communication platforms 
• Project management solutions 
• Cloud storage & file sharing 
• Digital onboarding tools 

“When selecting collaboration tools, teams should first define their specific needs. At the same time, the toolset should not be too complex, as this could hinder workflows and onboarding,” says Boban Kudranovic. “At DEKRA Arbeit Group, we see cohesion as our greatest asset and the foundation for a successful future. Values like trust, reliability, and openness are the cornerstones of strong collaboration with customers, employees, and colleagues. That’s why we’ve firmly embedded these values in our Vision 2025.”

Vision 2025 - Actively Shaping the Future 

DEKRA Arbeit Group´s Vision 2025 places people at the center of digital transformation. Trust, openness, and reliability are the keys to successfull collaboration - both digitally and in person - with clients, applicants, and employees. 

Conclusion: Digitalization as a Success Factor - Then, Now, and in the Future 

Even in 2021, it was clear: digitalization is no longer a future topix - it´s today´s reality. Companies that proactively shape this transformation will gain a competitive edge - both during cries and beyond. 

DEKRA Arbeit Group supports businesses with practical, scalable solutions - from digital staffing and virtual onbaording to e-learning programs für employees.