The Great Reset... A good type for business!

As I write this, the Daily Mail tells me in big red numbers that this is day 302 of lockdown! I don’t think anyone could possibly have thought that we would still be in the midst of such a crisis almost a year later. I have written previous articles about how this experience will give people time to reflect on careers / CV’s etc and hopefully come out of this with more focus and determination to make up for lost time (see previous posts).

I then stumbled across the Great Reset theory related to Covid and the intention of the “Global Elite” to use the pandemic to advance their cause. I am not here to discuss the merits or validity of such claims. What it did however was to make me think about the phrase the "Great reset" and the opportunities that are developing for businesses large and small, listed and private. This is a genuine chance for leaders to really take stock and create something positive out of this terrible situation, ensuring that the working world is changed for the better for ALL employees up and down the country…. A company “Great Reset” if you like. 

So here goes, a few ideas to get the conversation started:

1. The office - What a great chance to reset the mentality of 9-5 (and often beyond 5) mentality that still remains in many more companies than you might imagine. Of course some have no choice (food manufacturing for example), but for many in the service industries the penny must “drop” that you will only get the best out of people if you trust them to do what is needed to get the job done! Set the expectations and let them do it their way. Some of the micro managers out there will not like it to start, but they will change (slowly!)
2. Use of technology - I am too old now to change my need for paper and quill, but I have to admit the pandemic has changed the way we communicate forever on a global scale. I think this has also had benefits for people's family life as the younger generation have shown parents and grandparents how to stay in touch without being in the room! From a business perspective, the cost savings could be immense (unnecessary travel for example) and the time saving (“value” also immense) will be crucial as businesses count every penny in an attempt to recover some ground.
3. Facetime (not the social media one) - The complete juxtaposition of the point above! I really feel that the “balance” and sensible use of tech and trust will make people actively look forward to going to the office and meeting clients or colleagues again. No more of the Sunday night “dread” feel as another week on the treadmill looms large. 
4. Productivity - The natural follow on to the point above is an increase in productivity as employees feel more energised and motivated to perform at their peak. We have all been in too many meetings that you know after a few minutes are pointless or will achieve little. I really feel that people will now value that time to both enjoy and frankly get to the point and produce actions and constructive ideas rather than rather attractive doodles on their company branded pad!
5. Equality and Diversity - This is more of a theory, but I wonder and hope that all leaders of companies will come back to the table with a real determination to make sure that staff at all levels are treated fairly and made to feel they have a value and a real role to play in the day to day “workings” of the company. Many do this well already, but this is still theory to many. It can only be hoped that companies also truly embrace diversity and all its positives for employees.
6. Loyalty - This could be an interesting point for a headhunter to raise, but another potential upside of a “great reset” will be to encourage more loyalty and length of service in roles as people feel more valued and appreciated. This will save companies huge amounts of money on things like recruitment fees and indeed training (often underestimated as a “cost”). It also means that experience will be there for new starters to benefit from and respect. Gen X finding a reason to like Gen Y!!
7. Well being - The term well being is used to describe many aspects of our life, but I now do feel that I understand what it means for business. For me, it is a combination of all the points listed above to come together in harmony and create the best possible “platform” for employees and employers alike.

There you go, the “great reset” may not be so bad after all……..Can it be done? Any more ideas to add to this?