In today's fast-paced work environment, technology has revolutionized the way we work. One of the most significant advancements has been the development of workplace apps, which help us streamline tasks, communicate effectively, and collaborate with team members. These apps have become an essential part of modern workplaces, and they have transformed the way we approach work. Some companies have taken the plunge already following consumer brands with engaging Apps. Those organizations without employee Apps will be the outliers and fall behind in terms of their employer brand and employee proposition. Check out our latest article, Work Experience: It's All in the (APP)lication. If you want to learn more about Employee Engagement Apps for your business then contact us at hello@4xiconsulting.com , visit our website at www.4xiconsulting.com , or click on the following link. 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences© - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©: Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy , Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©: Strategic Partnership & Growth Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation Sustainability Simplified©: Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Philadelphia | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern business, one question persists: How do you forge the perfect partnerships? The answer, according to 4xi Global Consulting, is elegantly simple yet profoundly impactful. True partnerships are those where both parties are not only driven to meet mutual goals but are also aligned with the factors that lead to success. The next question naturally follows: How do you get there? The Pitfall of Output-Based Contracting Conventional wisdom often dictates that contracts should be output-driven, focusing primarily on price rather than the quality of outcomes. However, the downside of this approach is that it can inadvertently shift the focus away from strategic imperatives, ultimately sidelining the pursuit of excellence. A striking anecdote serves as a cautionary tale: a university's quest to cut costs led to a bulk purchase of the cheapest toilet paper available. The result? Inventory storage charges, depletion within nine months, and a distinctly uncomfortable experience for students and staff. The lesson learned is unequivocal: cheaper isn't necessarily better. There's a superior approach, and it's grounded in relationships. The Renaissance of Relational Contracting Relational Contracting, while not new, is experiencing a renaissance. Far from the stereotypical golf-course handshake deals, this model emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and shared success. As the business world evolves, more forward-thinking organizations are recognizing the immense value of focusing on mutual benefits rather than driving outcomes unilaterally. Imagine a scenario where both parties agree to a shared financial outcome, linked to a risk-reward mechanism that not only governs performance but also incentivizes success. This approach is gaining traction among some of the globe's most progressive and successful organizations. At 4xi Global Consulting , we've witnessed the transformation of archaic procurement practices into a dynamic system where mutual benefit reigns supreme. The 4xi Strategic Partnership Journey The journey to successful partnerships is outlined through several crucial steps: Defining Identity & Objectives: Understanding who you are and what you want. Ideal Partner Identification: Partners who share your principles and objectives. Fostering Collaboration: An environment of collaboration & partnership. Win-Win Contracting: Craft contracts that benefit both parties. Robust Governance Framework: Develop a strong governance structure. Clear Expectations & Metrics: Set expectations and measurable success criteria. Leadership and Accountability: Identify leaders and establish accountability. Engagement Framework: Build and maintain a robust engagement plan. This holistic approach, dubbed the Strategic Partnership Journey , has been a cornerstone of 4xi Global Consulting's and our clients success through TRUE NORTH©. Meet Our Team of Strategic Partnership Experts: Ed Snowden, Practice Lead A veteran with over four decades of experience working with two global Fortune 500 companies, Ed’s experience crosses both operations, business development and client retention. During the last 15 years of his career with Aramark, Ed co-authored a client retention strategy focused on retaining and growing large key partnerships in the healthcare and higher education markets. Barbara Boden As Joint Managing Partner, Barbara led global amenities at JPMorgan Chase & Co for nearly two decades, and now advises organizations on how to better establish mutually beneficial partnerships. Tony Johnson 4xi's Chief Experience Officer in Residence, Tony is a globally recognized leader in Customer Experience and Employee Experience Leader, including on the topics of collaboration and partnership. Simon Elliot: Simon has dedicated his career to fostering mutually beneficial strategic partnerships for Global Fortune 500 companies, and along with Ed is the co-author of TRUE NORTH©. The 4xi Global Consulting Team covers all essential aspects of strategy, leadership, and execution across various sectors, including workplace, higher education, healthcare, senior living, and leisure. The 4xi Strategic Partnership Journey This journey comprises several key components: • MarketMatch©: A unique process that realigns your organization with its core values and mission, optimizing resource allocation for long-term success. • TRUE NORTH©: A strategic partnership and growth platform designed to enhance your operations, sales, and retention teams. • Major Pursuits: A workshop that helps organizations navigate key client relationships through business simulations and collaborative pre-mortem analysis. • Partnership Optimization Process (POP): A program designed to ensure the long-term success of both new and existing partnerships. In conclusion, the path to success in the business world of tomorrow lies in nurturing relationships grounded in trust, transparency, and shared objectives. 4xi Global Consulting possesses the expertise and experience to guide organizations through this transformative journey, helping them realize their strategic imperatives. Learn more about our Partnership Optimization Program (POP) HERE: To unlock the full potential of partnership, reach out to our strategic partnerships team at hello@4xiconsulting.com . Experience the Power of True Partnership with 4xi Global Consulting. Contact us at hello@4xiconsulting.com , visit our website at www.4xiconsulting.com/ truenorth , or click on the following link. 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences© - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©: Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy , Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©: Strategic Partnership & Growth Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation Sustainability Simplified©: Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Philadelphia | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo

I believe in the power of positivity and optimism. Not naïve, hope that everything turns out okay and close my eyes, positivity. But understanding that you have a choice each day as a leader to make things easy or hard for your team and your customers. Perhaps it is the Ghost of Christmas in July lingering, but I’m reminded of Scrooge’s quote in Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol” when he was talking about his old boss Fezziwig: “He has the power to render us happy or unhappy; to make our service light or burdensome; a pleasure or a toil. Say that his power lies in words and looks; in things so slight and insignificant that it is impossible to add and count ’em up: what then? The happiness he gives, is quite as great as if it cost a fortune.” As I travel around the country and coach leaders to optimize their personal development and team performance, mindset always plays a role. Certainly, we talk about executive presence, creating relationships, and driving accountability, but it all begins with understanding what success looks like. And that begins with a positive approach and mindset. The Ripple Effect of Positivity Positivity is infectious. When you encounter a genuinely positive and warm moment, it creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond that specific moment. In the hospitality, this translates into guests who not only enjoy their stay but also become ambassadors for your brand. They share their positive experiences with friends, family, and on social media, scaling that goodwill. Think about it: have you ever had an experience where the kindness of a hotel staff member or the cheerful demeanor of a restaurant server made your day? As someone who travels extensively, those small moments at 3 a.m. after along day of travel truly mean the most. Setting the Tone: Positivity Starts with Leadership In the hospitality industry, fostering a culture of positivity starts with leadership. Leaders must model the behaviors and attitudes they want to see in their teams. This is particularly true at the 2 levels: the floor supervisor and the district manager. These are two underappreciated roles within most organizations, but where the rubber meets the road. The front-line supervisor is often undertrained and underequipped to lead their team. Think about it. Yesterday this person could have been a high performing cashier, and today they are in charge of closing a retail store, restaurant, or other big box outlet. It is difficult for them to be positive if they aren’t confident in their role. The District Manager has one of the toughest middle-management jobs around. They are responsible for communicating executive and organizational programs to the front line teams. They are the conduit to translate company vision into customer-facing action. If they don’t bring a can-do attitude to the party, then execution will likely flounder. The Power of Personalization In the hospitality industry, every guest is unique and looking for a “just for me” experience. Positivity plays a crucial role in customizing experiences. When team members approach service moments with an open and positive mindset, they can better understand and cater to the individual needs of guests. Think about the coffee shop that offers many ways for guests to personalize their drinks and takes the time to select baristas and cashiers who remember their regulars and their orders. This level of personalization not only delights customers but also strengthens their emotional connection to the brand. Positivity is the key ingredient in creating these memorable, relationship-building moments. Turning Challenges into Opportunities In the world of hospitality and customer experience, service hiccups are inevitable. It's how these challenges are handled that can make or break an experience. Positivity equips staff with the resilience to turn challenges into opportunities for a bit of WOW. Think about the restaurant where a guest orders something that is out of stock. A server who has been empowered to find the best in situations thinks about what the guest has ordered and suggests an alternative instead of just declaring that the item is unavailable. They talk the guest through the alternative and help them make a decision that leaves them feeling cared for rather than disappointed. Positivity enables staff to navigate difficult situations with poise and creativity, turning potentially negative experiences into a chance for memorable service. Measuring the Impact of Positivity Often measuring the impact of hospitality on business results can be tricky, but here are some great metrics to review over time to gauge success. Guest Satisfaction Scores: Monitor guest satisfaction scores and feedback. Positive interactions often correlate with higher scores and glowing reviews. Repeat Business: Measure the rate of repeat business and customer retention. Positive experiences lead to loyal customers who return again and again. Word of Mouth: Track the number of referrals and recommendations from satisfied guests. Positive experiences prompt guests to become advocates for your brand. Employee Engagement and Retention: A positive workplace culture often leads to higher employee engagement and retention, which, in turn, translates to better customer interactions. Complaint Resolution (or First Call Resolution): Assess how effectively challenges and complaints are resolved. Positivity can lead to quicker resolution and greater guest satisfaction. Verbatim Comments: Take the time to review you open ended customer comments and feed them into a sentiment calculator or word cloud. Keep your eyes open for key words and employee names and recognize accordingly. Positivity and optimism aren’t just “nice to haves,” but rather the quality of exceptional leadership. The trick is to remain pragmatic and keep an eye on performance while maintaining this mindset – and you will have to shift your style as the market and situations dictate. You can transform your customer and employee experiences by embracing optimism. It's not a one-size-fits-all solution, but rather a mindset that permeates every aspect of your organization, from leadership to frontline staff. This is more than just a smile and kind words – it’s a true strategic advantage . It's the compass that guides you toward customer-centric thinking in this ever-evolving marketplace of hospitality and customer experience. Until next time, Tony *Hand crafted by a real person, not AI Meet Tony Johnson! Tony is the Chief Experience Officer (CXO) for 4xi Global Consulting and leader of the Evolving Experience practice. Tony is an internationally recognized thought leader and influencer in Customer and Employee Experience. He hosts the wildly successful Customer Service Academy podcast and is the author of two books on leadership and CX. Tony has worked with some of the top organizations across the globe, including 3M, Baylor Scott and White Health, University of Virginia, Siemens, SHRM, and more. Tony is available to help your organization with: Executive and leadership coaching CX and EX strategy creation Inspirational keynote talks Fractional Chief Experience Officer Evolving Experiences, a 4xi brand, focuses on Customer Experience (CX) and Employee Experience (EX) as growth engines. By creating fierce loyalty with both employees and customers, organization can differentiate themselves in an ever-changing and competitive marketplace. Let’s talk about your employee experience, guest experience, fan experience, student experience, patient experience, or traveler experience to craft compelling moments that build lifelong loyalty. Tony Johnson is 4xi’s Chief Experience Officer and leader of the Evolving Experiences© practice. Before joining 4xi, he was the Customer Service Officer for Aramark, a global food and facilities organization. Tony is a Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP), award-winning speaker, and globally recognized employee and customer experience expert. Tony is the author of 3 books on leadership, employee engagement, and customer experience and hosts an industry-leading weekly podcast, Customer Service Academy. For more information about 4xi's Evolving Experiences©, you can contact Tony directly at tonyjohnson@4xiconsulting.com 4xi: Inspiring a brighter future, together. 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, creating an impact on the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy; whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences© - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©: Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy , Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©: Strategic Partnership & Growth Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation Sustainability Simplified©: Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Orlando | North Carolina | Philadelphia | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Dallas | Santiago | London | Tokyo

I love Halloween – and I love Customer Experience (CX) even more. In the world of CX we often find valuable lessons in unexpected places. Now is the perfect time to explore the fun that is Halloween and use it to help build stickiness for a customer-centric culture. That is, unless you’re afraid of a little fun. Let’s embrace the eerie charm and enchanting magic of the season and consider these five key points inspired by Halloween. UNMASK CUSTOMER NEEDS TO PROVIDE PERSONALIZATION Just like Halloween costumes reveal unique personalities, your CX should reflect your customers' individuality. Start by gaining a deep understanding of your customers through data and insights to understand their desires, preferences, and expectations. That will allow you to tailor your products or services to meet their specific needs. You can invest in personalization across your omnichannel experience and ensure that your customers perceive offers as “just for them.” This can extend into the in-store experience where you utilize insights to build products that customers want to buy and allow for a level of customization that continues to drive emotional connectivity. Beware of the data hoarders, though. Often, especially in large organizations, data is collected but not shared in a way where it can be acted upon. CREATE AND REWARD MEMORABLE MOMENTS Some of my favorite memories revolve around Halloween and our family traditions. OR example, for years we have camped at Fort Wilderness at Walt Disney World for several days leading up to Halloween and enjoyed the spooky fun around the campgrounds' of the best memories were created by the Cast Members giving just a little bit extra, which is a reminder that your team is the driving force behind emotional connections. Invest in employee training and development to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to provide exceptional service. Finally, foster a culture of engagement by recognizing and rewarding employees who go above and beyond for customers. SURPRISE AND DELIGHT, NOT TRICK OR TREAT Surprises that delight can turn ordinary transactions into extraordinary experiences. Customers love it when there are small moments they didn’t expect that bring just a bit more to the service moment. It is about going above and beyond, but it doesn’t take as much extra effort as you might think to set your service apart. Remember that the perception of service in the marketplace right now is that it is average to below average at best, so if you can deliver on the basics every time and then just a bit extra every now and again, you’ll find that you receive credit for outstanding hospitality. I was reading a story about a handwritten note left for a Delta Airlines frequent flier thanking him for his status, and it was a reminder that those small gestures take little time and cost almost nothing, but have surprising impact when it comes to building loyalty. CHANGE DOESN’T HAVE TO BE SCARY, SO EMBRACE IMPROVEMENT Just as Halloween evolves each year, so should your CX strategy. Over the years costume trends change, favorite treats change, and we’ve even started dressing ou pets up for the occasion. Be open to change, adapt to shifting customer expectations, and explore emerging technologies. You can embrace a culture of continuous improvement within your organization by keeping your finger on the pulse of the most relevant datapoints for your business. Regularly evaluate your CX performance against key performance indicators (KPIs) like Net Promoter Score (NPS), Customer Effort Score (CES), and Customer Satisfaction (CSAT). As you evaluate feedback and data, be sure you pay attention to verbatim comments and use sentiment analysis to give context to these open-ended responses. Use the insights gained from feedback to refine your strategy and enhance the customer experience continually. To keep innovation and improvement at the heart of your strategy, you’ll need to embrace this feedback and act on what you learn. Feedback, whether positive or negative, provides valuable insights – telling us what to do differently and what not to change. Make it easy for customers to provide feedback, keep your questions short and precise, and share how you used their feedback to improve your operations.Customers love knowing that their feedback had meaningful impact. So, Halloween, while steeped in ghosts and goblins, can offer us some ideas to improve our customer experience. As I’ve mentioned before, holidays and traditions can give us fun ways to reinforce the culture you are trying to build. It is about creating moments of emotional stickiness that allow for understanding and retention of these key principles. Building culture is not a one-and-done, so embrace the spirit of Halloween to help make it just a little less scary. That will definitely help you keep you customers at the center of everything you do. Crafted by a human, not AI! Meet Tony Johnson. Tony is the Chief Experience Officer (CXO) for 4xi Global Consulting and leader of the Evolving Experience practice. Tony is an internationally recognized thought leader and influencer in Customer and Employee Experience. He hosts the wildly successful Customer Service Academy podcast and is the author of two books on leadership and CX. Tony has worked with some of the top organizations across the globe, including 3M, Baylor Scott and White Health, University of Virginia, Siemens, SHRM, and more. Tony is available to help your organization with: Executive and leadership coaching CX and EX strategy creation Inspirational keynote talks Fractional Chief Experience Officer Fractional Chief Training + Development Officer Evolving Experiences , a 4xi brand, focuses on Customer Experience (CX) and Employee Experience (EX) as growth engines. By creating fierce loyalty with both employees and customers, organization can differentiate themselves in an ever-changing and competitive marketplace. Let’s talk about your employee experience, guest experience, fan experience, student experience, patient experience, or traveler experience to craft compelling moments that build lifelong loyalty. Tony Johnson is 4xi’s Chief Experience Officer and leader of the Evolving Experiences© practice. Before joining 4xi, he was the Customer Service Officer for Aramark, a global food and facilities organization. Tony is a Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP), award-winning speaker, and globally recognized employee and customer experience expert. Tony is the author of 3 books on leadership, employee engagement, and customer experience and hosts an industry-leading weekly podcast, Customer Service Academy. For more information about 4xi's Evolving Experiences©, you can contact Tony directly at tonyjohnson@4xiconsulting.com 4xi: Inspiring a brighter future, together. 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, creating an impact on the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy; whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences© - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©: Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy , Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©: Strategic Partnership & Growth Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation Sustainability Simplified©: Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Orlando | North Carolina | Philadelphia | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Dallas | Santiago | London | Tokyo

As the season of Thanksgiving approaches, our minds often conjure images of a bountiful table surrounded by loved ones. However, it is disheartening to acknowledge that this cherished holiday also marks a day when Americans discard more food than any other, while a staggering 44 million people, equivalent to twice the population of New York, grapple with hunger. The Unsettling Reality: Beyond the festive atmosphere, the repercussions of Thanksgiving excess extend beyond wasted food. Food waste squanders financial resources and it depletes precious environmental resources, worsening the global challenge of climate change. Shockingly, 40% of all food grown is wasted, while one in five children in the US faces uncertainty about their next meal. The Alarming Projections: This year, projections suggest that Americans will surpass previous records in food waste, amounting to an estimated 312 million pounds. To put this into perspective, this staggering figure could supply sustenance for 38.3 million food-insecure individuals seven times over. Practical Steps Towards Change: To counteract this trend, let us consider practical steps to minimize food waste not only during Thanksgiving but on any given day. Know how much to buy: Take a proactive stance by understanding the appropriate quantities to purchase. Utilize resources like the Save The Food Guest-mator to calculate the optimal amount needed to cater to your guests, striking a balance between abundance and prudence. Prepare for leftovers: Embrace the concept of mindful leftovers by having storage containers and aluminum foil readily available. Alternatively, encourage guests to bring their containers, fostering a communal effort to minimize excess food. Freeze for later: Extend the lifespan of Thanksgiving leftovers by freezing them for future enjoyment. Properly preserved , these meals can evoke nostalgia or satisfy cravings later, minimizing both waste and unnecessary expenses. Turn leftovers into a new meal: Transforming Thanksgiving leftovers into a new culinary creation can become a cherished tradition. Boil the turkey carcass to extract flavorful broth and tender meat, creating a foundation for a delightful Turkey and Dumpling dinner—a simple yet delectable new tradition that eliminates food waste and an easy meal to prepare on a busy evening. As we approach this season of gratitude, let us be mindful of our concumption, recognizing the power each individual holds to make a positive impact. By adopting these simple yet impactful practices, we can transform Thanksgiving into a celebration that not only fills our tables but also nourishes the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants. These simple, actionable, and impactful steps matter! So, let's get started now. Sustainability Simplified © CHRISTY COOK Christy is 4xi's Chief Sustainability Officer in Residence is the lead of Sustainability Simplified©. Christy specializes in ESG Advisory, Strategies, Sustainability Road Maps, Measurement, Systems, and Reporting. To learn more about Sustainability Simplified© and 4xi visit our website: who we are, what we do, and how we inspire a brighter future, together: www.4xiconsulting.com 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences© - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©: Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy , Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©: Strategic Partnership & Growth Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation Sustainability Simplified©: Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Philadelphia | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo

As 2023 comes to a close, we reflect on the year past and look forward to the year to come. We think about some of the notable events of the year: a new King of England, the passing of music legends Tina Turner, Sinead O’Connor, and Fairytale of New York singer Sean McGowan. Barbie is released and the epic tale of Oppenheimer hit the movies. Twitter is rebranded to X, ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence accelerates on the crest of the latest wave of innovation. Tragically, earthquakes in Syria and Turkey with some 50,000 souls lost, wildfires in Maui devastating the island paradise, political turmoil around the world including in the United States, war rages in Ukraine with little end in sight, mass shootings continue as an epidemic, especially in the U.S., with the most this year since 1983. Then the Israel-Hamas war breaks out. 2023 saw India matching China as the most populous country on the planet with close to 1.4 billion people – between China and India having some 35% of the global population. We also reflect on the year gone by for 4xi, our partners and clients and we are proud to have navigated and grown in the dynamic landscape of 2023, including the challenges and opportunities before us: Global Economic Rebound:  In the aftermath of the challenges posed by the global pandemic, 2023 witnessed a remarkable economic rebound. Climate Change Imperatives:  The urgency of addressing climate change reached new heights in 2023 and will continue to increase in importance and as a global imperative. Technological Advancements:  4xi, leveraging its expertise, with the forthcoming 4xAI generative platform, the re-launch of our Elevate© operations performance App, and DATAxi, our data visualization and dashboarding tool. We are also helping organizations explore the future with Workplace Apps. Market Dynamics:  Market dynamics continue to evolve, impacting businesses. 4xi's strategic insights and market reviews enable clients to make informed decisions, mitigating potential disruptions and capitalizing on emerging opportunities. Rise of Remote Work:  The rise of remote work became a permanent fixture in the business landscape. 4xi assisted clients in optimizing on-site and remote work structures, fostering employee engagement, and maintaining productivity in hybrid work environments. Pressure on Real Estate:  Long on the cards for retail real estate, post-pandemic, commercial real estate and office space is under pressure from over development and under occupancy with little hope that it will return to what it once was. Evolving Consumer & Employee Behavior: Consumer and employee behavior continued with significant evolution, influencing market trends and demands. 4xi's expertise in the Human Experience (HX), empowered clients to adapt their offerings and experience strategies, with both CX and EX experiences that align with these evolving preferences. Some of our most notable engagements in 2023 included: Market Research: Healthcare and Senior Living:  In response to the evolving needs of our healthcare and senior living clients, 4xi has delved into extensive market research endeavors. Our team has leveraged cutting-edge methodologies to provide actionable insights, enabling our clients to navigate the complexities of the healthcare sector and senior living communities with confidence. Potential Acquisition Research: 4xi has played a pivotal role in guiding clients through potential acquisition strategies. Our rigorous research methodologies and comprehensive analysis have empowered organizations to make informed decisions, identifying lucrative opportunities for growth and expansion. Global Amenities Framework: 4xi has crafted comprehensive global amenities frameworks. This strategic initiative elevates client's brand positioning by enhancing the overall employee experience. Our innovative approach has set a new standard, seamlessly integrating amenities into the core of the employee experience and employer brand proposition. Hospitality Experiences for Multi-Tenant Properties:  Recognizing the emerging need for multi-tenant properties to attract and retain tenants, 4xi partnered with property owners to activate these spaces through tailored hospitality experiences increasing tenant satisfaction and maximizing revenue potential of these dynamic environments. Customer Experience and Employee Experience: 4xi has been at the forefront of shaping exceptional customer and employee experiences in airline lounges. Our strategic insights and execution have enhanced both customer satisfaction and employee engagement, creating a holistic approach that sets our clients apart in the market. Innovation and Growth Strategies: Collaborating with innovators across industries, 4xi has facilitated the development and implementation of growth strategies. Our forward-thinking approach has empowered clients to stay ahead of the curve, embracing innovation as a catalyst for sustained success. Service Providers Pursuits and Human Experience Enhancement:  4xi has played a pivotal role in supporting service providers in major pursuits and enhancing the human experience proposition for various clients. Our strategies have not only secured lucrative opportunities for service providers but have also enriched the overall experience for end-users. In 2023, we launched CRITERION Benchmarking - a peer-to-peer learning platform with surveys, polls, and insights into some of the most relevant topics of the moment. An opportunity to learn from others and gain insights into thinking and trends in the market. This year so far, we have published reports on such matters as: Return to Work Strategies Workplace Technology Health & Wellness Sustainability Foodservice Operations We have also taken commissioned reports on the Healthcare and Senior Living Markets, What Employees Want? and the North American Foodservice Market. We believe that leaders and organizations yearn for data and insights, and CRITERION Benchmarking serves that need with world-class data, benchmarking, and reports. Looking Forward to 2024 In 2024, 4xi Global Consulting is set to embark on new ventures with two new practices and two product launches early in the new year. The launch of FoodCraft , our foodservice consulting practice provides audits and quality assurance reviews and tools, whilst CREATE. , our creative design and marketing practice meets clients brand building and broadcasting needs. Our 4xAI, generative platform , will further expand our capabilities into 2024. Additionally, the introduction of the TRUE NORTH© virtual learning academy demonstrates our commitment to fostering continuous learning and growth for organizations of all sizes to win better, retain better business. As we bid farewell to 2023, we remain dedicated to driving innovation, fostering strategic partnerships, and delivering unparalleled value to our clients. We look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, confident in our ability to shape the future of global business. We also pray for peace, love, and joy in the year to come. We pray for our planet, the children of the world, and all those impacted by hardship. We look forward to continuing our journey, better together, in 2024. Simon Elliot   is Managing Partner and co- founder  of 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions and is focused on a people- first  approach to enable optimum Human Experiences for people away from home: at work, in education, at rest, or at leisure . Simon believes  that  Experience Matters!  applies in many different ways and is the fundamental foundation of a successful business, no matter the business. Simon is a global citizen, having lived, worked, and traveled to over 45 countries and six  continents, and believes in the power of human  potential. He is a Fellow of the Institute  of Directors, a Member of the Institute of Leadership & Management, and the North America Chair of the WORKTECH Academy. 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions  is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences©  - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©:  Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy , Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©:  Strategic Partnership & Growth Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation Sustainability Simplified©:  Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy  for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Philadelphia | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo

We are delighted to announce the newest addition to the 4xi Global Consulting team – John Schmidt, a distinguished consultant with over three decades of experience in developing and managing service strategies. John's illustrious career includes crafting service strategies for Fortune 500 companies and leading financial institutions, showcasing his expertise in Facility Management, Hospitality, Transportation, and more. With over 30 years of experience developing and managing service strategies, John has developed strategies in-house and as an outsourced provider for both employees and clients.  He has developed service strategies for Fortune 500 companies and large financial institutions.  John is a believer that creating the best possible workplace experience is critical to establishing a company's culture, reinforcing its values, and ensuring its long-term success.     John has spent his career developing and leading service strategies.   Managing the workplace experience through restructuring, expansion, and development of new business opportunities.  Over his career, he has developed expertise in all areas of Facility Management, Food, Hospitality, Concierge Service, Transportation, Logistics, and Office Services.   Having run one of the largest office service providers in North America as well as managing services for one of the leading financial institutions in the world, John understands what it takes to develop service strategies, build partnerships, and create a culture that drives world-class employee experiences as well industry-leading client engagements.  John's areas of focus are:   Service Strategy Change Management Strategic Partnerships Organizational Restructuring Operational Excellence Service Excellence Revenue growth   A message from John:   I am really excited to have the opportunity to join the 4xi team.  With over 30 years of experience building out service strategies joining the 4xi team creates the opportunity for me to help multiple companies develop their own vision and road map to creating world-class services within the organization. As a results-driven leader, I am looking forward to helping you develop world-class solutions that focus on delivering excellence in operations and creating exceptional customer service experiences.  My leadership experiences include overseeing 200+ business service locations across the country, building/managing budgets for one of the premier financial institutions in the world and operating some of the busiest restaurants in the NY metropolitan area. By skillfully navigating all levels of an organization from the Board of Directors to line employees, I consistently achieve top and bottom-line goals, always working tirelessly to ensure the company culture and business goals will be achieved. You can contact John directly at john@4xiconsulting.com  or read more about him by reading his bio. 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions  is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. WHAT WE DO We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences©  - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©:  Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy, Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©:  Strategic Partnership & Growth Sustainability Simplified©:  Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking Project Management Office Food Craft Culinary Consulting CREATE. : Graphic Design and Creative Services DATAxi: Data Ingestion and Visualization Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Philadelphia | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo

India's trajectory toward global economic prominence is unmistakable, propelled by its burgeoning population and dynamic business landscape. Amidst this journey, the hospitality sector emerges as a microcosm of India's growth narrative, with industry stalwarts such as the Oberoi Hotel Group and foodservice organizations like the Compass Group leading the charge. Challenges in India's Foodservice Industry Despite its promising growth, the Indian foodservice industry faces several challenges, ranging from ensuring food safety standards to managing the complexities of a diverse market. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, maintaining consistent quality and safety across a vast landscape poses significant logistical hurdles. Additionally, evolving consumer preferences and regulatory requirements demand continual adaptation and innovation from industry players. Addressing Food Safety with 4xi’s FoodCraft© Practice In response to these challenges, innovative approaches such as 4xi’s FoodCraft© practice offers practical solutions, particularly in ensuring food safety. By implementing rigorous protocols and leveraging technology, 4xi’s FoodCraft© helps streamline processes, enhance transparency, and mitigate risks associated with food handling and preparation. Through comprehensive training programs and cutting-edge monitoring systems, businesses can uphold the highest standards of hygiene and quality, thus fostering trust and loyalty among customers. The Oberoi Hotel Group: Setting Standards for Excellence The Oberoi Hotel Group epitomizes excellence in India's hospitality landscape, setting benchmarks for service quality and guest satisfaction. At properties like the Trident Hotel in Gurgaon, the group's unwavering commitment to personalized experiences and attention to detail has earned widespread acclaim. By prioritizing customer-centricity and continuous improvement, the Oberoi Hotel Group demonstrates how a relentless focus on excellence can propel success in a competitive market. Foodservice: Meeting Evolving Demands Meanwhile, the Compass Group's rapid expansion underscores the growing demand for quality food services and facilities management solutions in India. With a portfolio of 70 new accounts established in the past year, the group exemplifies adaptability and innovation in addressing evolving consumer preferences and market dynamics. By leveraging technology and embracing trends such as sustainability, the Compass Group remains at the forefront of catering to diverse culinary needs while maintaining operational efficiency. Other global players including French giant Sodexo, and ISS Global from Denmark are also making strides in this burgeoning market. Navigating Complexity with 4xi Global Consulting In navigating India's dynamic business landscape, organizations turn to consultancies like 4xi Global Consulting for strategic guidance and operational excellence. Specializing in areas such as strategy formulation, growth acceleration, and sustainability initiatives, 4xi Global Consulting equips businesses with the tools and insights needed to thrive amidst challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Through collaborative partnerships and a commitment to innovation, the consultancy serves as a catalyst for growth and transformation in India's hospitality sector. Charting a Course for Excellence As India continues its march toward unprecedented growth, the hospitality industry serves as a beacon of its potential and promise. With visionary leadership, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to excellence, businesses stand poised to navigate challenges and capitalize on the vast opportunities inherent in India's vibrant marketplace. Through a combination of innovation, adaptability, and collaboration, the industry is primed to redefine standards and shape the future of hospitality in India. Need support navigating the opportunities and challenges that India poses, then contact us at 4xi Global Consulting: hello@4xiconsulting.com We bring a wealth of expertise in the following areas: Contract foodservice in the away from home markets, including: corporate dining higher education sports & leisure healthcare, and senior living Catering and VIP culinary events. Table service and fine dining. Guest experience and hospitality skills training. Food safety and kitchen management. Culinary trends and innovation. Building profitable and cost effective dining programs. Client-side leadership and contract management. Sustainability. Employee engagement and retention. We will help you create world class dining experiences for guests, regardless of market, delivered safely, consistently, and profitably. Here is a quick preview of how we can help. CULINARY OPERATIONS REVIEW We can help with anything from mystery shops to comprehensive program review.  Our team of experts will use our proprietary Craft Success Matrix© and assessment tools to help you identify areas of success and opportunity.  Our suite of technology enablers will help you monitor your ongoing success through customized quality assurance audits that get everyone involved in tracking progress. FOOD SAFETY We can help you evaluate your current food safety progress and plot a course toward exceeding your goals and standards.  Our team can help with measurement, planning, training, and accountability. CULINARY STRATEGY We can help bring your culinary strategy to life with industry trends, professional evaluation, and long-term programmatic planning.  From menu to performance to profitability, we have a solution for you. HOSPITALITY TRAINING Our team of professional experience and training experts can build your virtual and in-person training modules, and help you deploy and deliver the content to your team. Together we can help you deliver the best experiences for your employees, your guests, patients, employees, students, fans, and travelers alike. Reach out today to learn more about our offerings and how we can help you thrive in this ever-changing culinary marketplace. PRACTICE LEADERS Tony Johnson | Chief Experience Officer Tony Johnson, 4xi’s Chief Experience Officer, leads FoodCraft©.  Together we can build culinary programs that deliver safe, innovative, profitable menus to guests of all ages and in all markets.  Tony brings his long experience in culinary, food service, and hospitality to help restaurants and food service operations thrive. Christy Cook | Chief Sustainability Officer in Residence Christy is a globally recognized expert in corporate sustainability with a specialized focus in zero waste. Christy is a veteran of the Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) and sustainability space where she has been working for almost 20 years. Her background is in corporate sustainability and working directly with clients to improve their sustainability performance. She went from creating sustainability solutions at one college campus to 8500 sites in North America across seven business sectors for the 19th largest employer where she also developed the foundation for the largest food waste prevention program in the world. Ann McNally | Operations Coaching & Growth Ann is a soft service subject matter expert with over 25 years of onsite hospitality experience working on both the client side of the business as well as on the operator side. She has worked in the airport, education, and corporate services sectors. As a former Vice President of Amenities at Morgan Stanley, Director of Contract Soft Services at Bristol Myers Squibb, and Vice President of Business Development at Sodexo, Ann offers a unique way of looking at the business from both the client and operators view. 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions  is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. WHAT WE DO We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences©  - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©:  Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy, Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©:  Strategic Partnership & Growth Sustainability Simplified©:  Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking Project Management Office Food Craft Culinary Consulting CREATE. : Graphic Design and Creative Services DATAxi: Data Ingestion and Visualization Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Philadelphia | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo

Today almost any discussion concerning corporate campuses and facilities quickly moves from the physical building and campus to the services and amenities being offered. Now more than ever just as much effort and thought is going into the services and amenities being offered on campus as there is in the actual design, restructuring or managing of campus space. The focus on the Workplace Experience and improving it is critical to any company’s success.     Today you want to have a vision for your corporate campus that seamlessly melds the physical space with the services and amenities you offer. It is not enough to design world-class, award-winning structures. The campus needs a vision for top-tier services that reflect your company, culture, values, and goals as well as your clients.  With 5 generations in the workforce, hybrid workforces, increased remote workers, employees expect much more than a desk a laptop and a pen when they are in the office.  Building out a Work Place Experience strategy that engages your employees and keeps you competitive is no easy task. Amenities and services that were nice to have 10 years ago in many cases today are table stakes. The expectations and diversity in today's workforce requires a true understanding of market trends, employee needs, and company goals.     Building out or improving the Workplace Experience (WPX) can be overwhelming to start there is a lot to think about getting started requires a lot of visualization. The days of just upgrading your cafe, subsidizing programs, adding some perks and everyone is happy are far gone.   You need to think about creating a world-class WPX in a more dynamic, comprehensive way.  Before you even start here are just a few questions you want to think about:    What are your goals in building out your services strategy?  What is the value proposition, how do I develop a budget?  How will your plan align with your company values and culture?  How will your strategy impact the Employee and Client experience?  How do I involve key stakeholders?  How do I benchmark against the market and where do we want to position ourselves? (improve but not matched to market - competitive or leading/ disruptive)  What is our stance on coming into the workspace in the post-COVID era?   And most importantly who is the responsible party that will put this all together?    There is a lot to think about before you can even get started,  but the work is worth it, successfully implementing a services and amenities strategy, will net positive improvement in the WPX for your company. You will see improvements in productivity, collaboration, recruiting, retention and the general well being of your teams.    Nothing is more rewarding than creating a workplace environment that energizes, motivates and inspires the workforce.    Being able to work with innovative industry thought leaders helping companies build world class Employee and Client experiences was the driving force in my joining 4xi Global Consulting. As a collective,  with you we can accomplish so much.     Over the next few weeks I look forward to expanding on these thoughts as we embark on this journey together.  John Schmidt Corporate Strategy & Workplace Experience 4xi Global Consulting Global amenity services and operations, transforming the work experience, and leveraging the 4xi strategic and tactical network. You can contact John directly at john@4xiconsulting.com  or learn more about John by reading his bio. 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions  is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. WHAT WE DO We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences©  - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©:  Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy, Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©:  Strategic Partnership & Growth Sustainability Simplified©:  Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking Project Management Office Food Craft Culinary Consulting CREATE. : Graphic Design and Creative Services DATAxi: Data Ingestion and Visualization Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Philadelphia | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo

Why taking a hard look at your company's service and amenities plan is critical to your firm's long-term success. No matter the size, industry, or goals of your company, building out the best possible workplace experience (WPx) needs to be front and center in your thinking.  If it isn't you may want to step back and think about the level of priority being placed on employee satisfaction, customer satisfaction, productivity, work-life balance, recruiting, and retention within your firm.  Creating a world-class WPx environment is complex and needs to be thought through comprehensively.  The effort you put into ensuring you are creating the right work environment needs to be equal to the energy you put into building a satisfied loyal customer base.  The level of service and satisfaction you deliver to customers can be directly connected to the level of support and effort you strive to deliver to your employees.  When thinking through a WPx strategy, many factors and variables need to be visualized before you even begin to build out a plan.  It is critical that you include amenities and services in the plan forward. You want to ensure that what you are doing relative to services and amenities is “intentionally” in your strategic plan.  Too often I see elaborate plans around buildings, restructuring, or new buildouts where the plan for the services is treated as a second thought, or reaction to something happening in the market, or treated as a secondary priority once everything else is figured out. By doing that you are limiting the value proposition and ROI you should be getting from said services and amenities.     Picture a bicycle wheel made up of a hub, spokes, rim, and tire. Perfectly balanced when built right, beautiful to look at, efficient in function. Look at this graphic as you look at your workplace experience: The hub in the middle is your employee, the rim is your business or office. The tire is the connection to the world outside of the office. Then there are the spokes tens to hundreds of them not there for looks but there to ensure perfect balance and function.  The spokes are the connection between the employee, the company, and ultimately the customer.  These spokes represent everything you are doing to create the right WPx within the firm.  Every spoke in that wheel should be Intentionally placed, every spoke placed, removed, or not used should be by choice or design.   John Schmidt Corporate Strategy & Workplace Experience 4xi Global Consulting Global amenity services and operations, transforming the work experience, and leveraging the 4xi strategic and tactical network. You can contact John directly at john@4xiconsulting.com  or learn more about John by reading his bio. 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions  is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. WHAT WE DO We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences©  - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©:  Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy, Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©:  Strategic Partnership & Growth Sustainability Simplified©:  Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking Project Management Office Food Craft Culinary Consulting CREATE. : Graphic Design and Creative Services DATAxi: Data Ingestion and Visualization Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Philadelphia | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo

We have previously addressed the importance of having a Workplace Experience (WPx) Plan for the success of your company, your employees, and the significant influence it has on your customers' perception and experience with your company. Having clear and well-defined goals is essential for a successful WPx strategy. Clarity regarding your strategy goals is crucial for achieving success. There are numerous resources, published documents, online materials, and training sessions available on creating an effective goal statement (including 4xis TRUE NORTH© and Partnership Optimization Program), so I will refrain from turning this into a blog about goal setting. Instead, I aim to share my insights on goal setting and prompt you to consider setting goals within a WPx strategy. The goals you establish for your WPx strategy should be centered around an outcome you are working towards achieving over time. They should be ambitious, charting the course and destination you are aiming for. Furthermore, they should align with your company's Purpose, Vision, Mission, and Values (P+V+M+V) and your culture, and what you stand for. When defining your goals, it is crucial to not only concentrate on objectives and activities. Be cautious of getting caught up in detailing precise actions to reach your goals right at the beginning of establishing a direction. It is crucial to clarify the level and scope of your goals. Food is often a central point of discussion in any conversation about the workplace experience. Setting a goal to improve your food program will lead to different outcomes than setting a goal to enhance the overall workplace experience, with improving food services being just one aspect of the broader objective. Real-time experiences Several years ago, I took charge of a hospitality program and was assigned the task of enhancing the food program. This initiative emphasized health, safety, scalability, consistency, and quality, all of which the team successfully achieved. However, despite this success, we did not see a significant improvement in customer satisfaction, engagement, and overall experience. Years later, I led a team responsible for reintegrating everyone back into the office, with the goal of creating an environment that would excite people about returning to work. This approach not only facilitated the return to work but also fostered a stronger sense of community, engagement, and productivity. While food played a role in this endeavor, the objectives were more dynamic and innovative, with increased stakeholder engagement and interdepartmental collaboration. The same vendor was chosen for both projects, and they exceeded expectations by adapting well to the new objective. The vendor/partner performed excellently in meeting the performance standards for the updated goal(s). The team eagerly accepted the challenge of creating a more dynamic food program, leading to a considerable increase in customer satisfaction scores, surpassing attendance targets, and effectively integrating the hospitality program into a more holistic workplace experience. By going through this process, we changed our relationship from being a vendor/client to becoming strategic partners with aligned goals. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when establishing the goals for your WPx strategy: Set goals that are clear to everyone. Be sure the entire organization can connect to the goal. Create understanding what achieving the goal will look like.   Explain the goals and ensure all levels of your organization understand them. When formulating a WPX strategy, it is crucial to consider both internal and external perspectives. Conducting SWOT analyses and benchmarking are essential tools for this purpose. As vital as having a clear direction is, it is equally important to accurately assess your current position, your competitors' positions, and the market landscape. Many companies tend to overlook this aspect. This groundwork lays the foundation for your future endeavors and is an opportune area to seek external assistance. Engaging with external parties for triangulation will provide a more comprehensive understanding: Where your firm stands in the competitive and local landscape. How your firm is performing in comparison. What learnings can you glean from these insights. Identify trends, initiatives, innovation, and impact. 6 Steps to Success When developing your WPx strategy, six factors should be considered: 1. Set Goals: Establish a set of goals that are clear and easy to understand, indicating the direction you are heading in and what the outcome will be like. 2. Benchmark: It is important to compare, fully comprehend, and align your current performance with the desired goal. 3. Timeline: Setting a timeline is crucial for achieving goals effectively. It creates urgency, accountability, and helps break down goals into smaller tasks for better tracking and progress. Prioritizing activities and allocating resources wisely ensures steady progress. 4. Set Priorities: Establish and prioritize goals based on scale, intricacy, significance, and time commitment for efficiency. Avoid taking on too many tasks at once for better results. 5. Measurements of Success: Ensure that you have considered the method by which you will gauge success. Reflect on the desired results you aim to achieve and establish a system for capturing and evaluating your progress in relation to those outcomes. 6. Execute: Keep in mind that the person is more crucial than the task, which I will discuss further in my upcoming blog post. Consider who will establish this objective, who will take responsibility, and who will be part of the team responsible for its development and execution. Each company follows a procedure to set goals, so make sure to incorporate these six points at least to kickstart your journey successfully. One important thing to keep in mind about goals is that "the journey is the destination." As you work towards your goal, you will refine it and gain valuable insights while pursuing objectives. For many, striving to develop a better WPx strategy is essential in order to increase engagement, foster development, differentiate the brand, and promote personal growth. As you progress towards different goals, you will notice these changes taking place and starting to unfold. The advantages will become apparent and tangible well before you reach your ultimate goal. John Schmidt Corporate Strategy & Workplace Experience 4xi Global Consulting Global amenity services and operations, transforming the work experience, and leveraging the 4xi strategic and tactical network. You can contact John directly at john@4xiconsulting.com  or learn more about John by reading his bio. 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions  is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. WHAT WE DO We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences© - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©: Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy, Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©: Strategic Partnership & Growth Sustainability Simplified©: Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking Project Management Office Food Craft Culinary Consulting CREATE. : Graphic Design and Creative Services DATAxi: Data Ingestion and Visualization Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Philadelphia | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo

Access to data and insights is essential for most organizations. What do your clients really think? What about your employees? What is the landscape of your existing markets or those you're exploring? What do consumers want? What are the latest sentiments and trends? What acquisition opportunities exist, and which ones are the best fit for you? 4xi can help help you answer all these questions, and more. In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business environment, data and insights are more crucial than ever. They empower businesses to make informed decisions, anticipate market trends, and understand customer behavior with precision. By leveraging data, companies can identify opportunities for growth, optimize operations, and enhance customer experiences. Insights drawn from data help businesses stay competitive, innovate effectively, and navigate uncertainties with confidence. In essence, data-driven decision-making is the foundation for sustainable success and strategic advantage in the modern business world. Data and insights are the lifeblood of modern business strategy. Without them, we are navigating blind in a world that demands precision and agility.   Commissioned Surveys, Research, and Reports At 4xi, we pride ourselves on our commissioned surveys, research, and reports that deliver critical data and insights, essential for informed decision-making and strategic planning. Our extensive work exemplifies our commitment to providing valuable information across various markets. For instance, we conducted a U.S. Foodservice Market Acquisition Research Report offering in-depth analysis for a business that was looking to expand, while our U.S. Senior Living Market Report ( Download ) provided essential insights into the quickly evolving needs of this market as the client was looking to expand into. The U.S. Healthcare Market Report was a vital report to help this client understand trends, challenges, and opportunities within the healthcare sector. We have also conducted projects on brand perception through our Brand Listening surveys, gathering feedback from clients, past clients, consultants, and employees to create a comprehensive picture of existing perceptions, which in turn produces themes and signals and as a result, a roadmap to future success. Additionally, our “What Employees Think (and want)” survey shed light on employee sentiments and desires, aiding this client to create better work terms, conditions, and environments to better attract and retain talent (and reduce the cost of turnover). Moreover, our CRITERION 1.0 Reports have been instrumental in navigating various aspects of the modern workplace. From Return-to-Work sentiments ( Download Report ) and strategies to Employee Amenities, Health & Wellness, and Foodservice, our reports cover a wide range of topics crucial for today’s businesses. 4xi’s Upcoming Bi-annual Surveys The 4xi Annual Customer Experience Survey is coming soon! Released each September, this comprehensive survey remains open until Thanksgiving, with full results and insights unveiled in January. In its second annual edition, the survey focuses on the Away from Home Markets, with results from March available by June. Consistency is key, as the survey retains the same questions year after year, allowing us to track trends, movements, and provide insightful year-on-year comparisons. Participation is not only valuable but also rewarding, as the survey results are free to those who complete the survey. Data and insights are at the heart of our mission, enabling organizations to track trends, make data-driven decisions, and stay ahead in an ever-changing market landscape. In an era where change is the only constant, data-driven insights provide the clarity and foresight needed to steer our organizations towards sustainable growth and innovation. Don't miss out on the invaluable insights 4xi and CRITERION can provide. Get involved, stay informed, and drive your business forward with data-driven confidence. Participate in our surveys, explore our reports, and leverage our research for your strategic advantage! 4xi Global Consulting & Solutions  is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, impacting the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure. We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy. Whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success. WHAT WE DO We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators: Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx) Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand Evolving Experiences© - Employee (EX) & Customer Experience (CX) Design4Life©: Environmental, Physical, and Experiential Design Global Amenities Strategy, Design & Operations TRUE NORTH©: Strategic Partnership & Growth Sustainability Simplified©: Supply Chain & Innovation Market Research Reports & Benchmarking Project Management Office Food Craft Culinary Consulting CREATE. : Graphic Design and Creative Services DATAxi: Data Ingestion and Visualization Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation 4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy. San Francisco | New York | Philadelphia | Orlando | North Carolina | Seattle | Silicon Valley | Santiago | London | Tokyo