2020 - A reflection

Dear all,

What a year 2020 has been.

I have been thinking about what to write for this final sign off of the year, and it is all too easy to focus on the negative points for 2020.

But the reality is, you don't need me to tell you how challenging this year has been.

So instead, I am going to focus on what I think are the positive points that have come out of this topsy-turvy 12 months:

1)     Working from home DOES work (but it has its challenges) 

- One thing we have learned is that staff can be trusted to do their jobs. Even when not in the office or 'in plain sight', most staff value their work and employers. (Most would testify to working harder and longer hours from home!)

- Daily team meetings via Zoom / Skype / BlueJeans can be effective. We just needed to learn how to make them work

- Not having to wear a suit daily is much more comfortable and will certainly pose the challenge of getting it to fit, post-Christmas indulgence.

2)     People are our greatest asset.

- Companies (I believe) have understood the importance of their human assets in 2020, investing in them both practically and emotionally.

- Firms have improved significantly in supporting staff to be part of a team from a distance. Onboarding new joiners to the firm and establishing (and re-defining) the firm's culture.

- Technology is our future. To an extent, yes, it is. But what about the minds that build that Technology? What about the free-thinkers that inspire these concepts? The technical engine keeps the ship moving, but you still need someone to set its course.  

3)     Innovation in business

- By altering the 'Business as Usual, firms have been able to gain some perspective on their operations and the strategy required to succeed.

- Changes have been forced, so firms have had to look at their direction and come to the table with innovative ideas.

- No longer can we 'keep doing what we are doing.' Instead, let's focus on how we can do things better. 

4)     Watercooler chat is important to people!

- Every day I have individuals telling me that their biggest challenge professionally is missing the human contact, the chatting over making a coffee, the gossip, the banter, the interaction that goes with working in a team.

- On Jan 1st, 2020, I certainly did not expect people to say to me this year that they would miss the commute to work. That 'quiet time' to drink a coffee, Whatsapp funny pictures to friends, read a book, contemplate the day ahead, buy useless items from Amazon is no longer there.

- The social side afforded by working in the same location. Going to the pub on a Thursday evening, a dinner out, attending a live concert, theatre, and sporting event. 

5)     There ARE job opportunities out there. 

- Despite redundancies in some areas, firms ARE still hiring

- Business demand is high in specific sectors. Workloads are there and arguably higher in some cases

- The challenge that most face is the higher levels of competition when applying for a role. We have active job seekers and passive job seekers all applying, which can make the process tricker. (Give us a call to discuss how you can stand out from the crowd).  

- Governance is still a hot area (Risk, Compliance, Legal), and business reaches these areas in times of difficulty. 2021 will be no exception.

Undoubtedly, we live in a world of transition. I have focused on the business angle of 2020, but there have been some massive changes for humanity. Communities are rallying around the vulnerable, Black Lives Matter pushing further the search for equality and a reminder that families are the most important thing we have. Lastly that the next generation are resilient. The future is undoubtedly bright. 

The Risk Partners has been growing step-by-step since its inception. I would personally like to thank all of our fantastic Clients and Candidates alike for supporting us. As a business, we value your insights, your help, your partnerships, and often just the opportunity to have a chat!

Long may this continue into 2021 and beyond.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and a Prosperous 2021. 

Rob

The Risk Partners are a boutique recruiter, with Risk Management & Governance at the heart of its activities. We live in a world where Governance steers the world through often challenging times. Our aim is to work closely with both clients and candidates throughout their careers. Please get in touch to discuss how we can help you.