THE MEZZANINE LOUNGE

2 minute read

The Inspiration:

Perched on one of the top floors, the Club Lounge is an exclusive social space reserved for special guests. It is often a welcome escape from your room when you need to work or take some time out, catering for guests around the clock. “Bite size” culinary offerings beckon throughout the day, culminating in relaxing evening cocktails and canapes.

The Reality:

Alas, it’s been a long day, however, the lounge beckons with one of your favourite cocktails on ice. (Okay - maybe a beer or wine!) A place to unwind and reflect on the day that was, indulge in some conversation if you’d like and have a few bite-sized “snacks” to allow you to recharge for the next day of Working From Anywhere (WFA)… so, welcome to The Mezzanine Lounge!

Coronaspirations – time to move on!

2020 has certainly been a kicker so far. As I sit here in the lounge this Saturday, after my second trip back to the gym, the motto “No pain, no gain” comes to mind. I’m pondering the good, the bad and the ugly component of this first half of 2020 which has ignited nothing short of a Coronacoaster of emotions which has had me soaring up and down the grief and/or change cycle much like the one below.

https://worldofwork.io/2019/03/the-change-curve/

However, with this 2020 vision, my innate optimism has me rapt in what changes will be accepted and committed to in our desire to rebuild and embrace a new way of life? I’ve taken some of the topics from my past articles to provide my take on the top 10 Covidspirations that we definitely need to embrace for good!

You can’t spell CHAlleNGE without change. If you’re going to rise to the challenge, you have to be prepared to change. (Unknown)

Top 10 Covidspirations

1. A capability revolution: We’ve been #WorkingfromHome for many weeks now, and while I’m sure it hasn’t all been smooth sailing, we’ve made it work. If the shackles can be lifted on tying employees to a “particular” office, then it’s not difficult to imagine this office being “anywhere”. This new mindset, when coupled with an outcome focus has the potential to open the floodgates to accessing the right capability from anywhere. Now, that would be a revolution!
2. A lesser office space footprint: If this isn’t being considered, then we aren’t being considered in our approach. While it may not make sense for businesses to have all staff at home all of the time, with our direct Covid-19 experience, it must pave the way for having if not most, at least some of the staff at home all of the time, directly reducing the office space requirement. Two key measures to assist with this decision, are #productivity and #engagement. If the statistics haven’t materially changed then businesses should be seizing upon this opportunity for their shareholders and stakeholders.
3. The growth of the local and/or regional centre: So, let’s take this a step further. Our shorter commute and the restrictions on #travel in recent weeks have definitely seen an even greater emphasis on supporting our local coffee shops and cafes with our “take-away” business. Could this Covid-imposed restriction anticipate the establishment of socially distanced and lesser office spaces for one business or many, in a local or regional hub? I certainly think so! Think of the real #transformation that this could bring in terms of infrastructure and opportunities if there is a shift away from the major city centre.
4. A reduction in non-essential business travel: With #videoconferencing getting a new lease on life, the quintessential business traveller must now take on a new persona. It would be prudent for businesses who have still delivered with a positive impact on the bottom line through reduced #travel costs, to take advantage of this new norm. This is not to say that all travel must cease, but it does beg the question whether a better #ROI can be achieved virtually by staying grounded? Failing to ask this question, is saying no to a gift horse!
5. Less dependency on the traditional shopping mall: Let’s face it, where the outside world is rioting, we know the shopping cart of the inside world doesn’t discriminate and is not a threat to our physical person. The 24/7 online offering means we can shop for every colour of the rainbow and retailers with omnichannel options as well as a #socialconscience will naturally rise to the top of the pecking order. Does this potentially mean that due to Covid-inspired consumer behaviour we’ll see a move away from larger shopping centres to smaller stores in more locations, and more localities? One thing Covid has taught us, is #adaptability is king. If offering delivery and collection alternatives can have the dual effect of a reduction in supply costs and a lower retail price then I think the decision for retailers and consumers will be a no-brainer.
6. An increased focus on self-sufficiency: With unemployment figures at heart breaking levels and the Government confirming we are in a recession, many of us are being forced to go #backtobasics. Whether it be growing our own produce, exchanging food waste for eggs or empty jars for jam, never would I have contemplated the community conscience that Covid has cheered on. We’ve seen a greater emphasis on home cooked meals, perhaps as a direct result of restrictions on restaurants, or just having more time available due to the shorter commute. However, make no mistake, restaurants and the hospitality industry have taken a huge hit, and based on the current climate, going back to what was won’t be possible. Even with the partial lifting of restaurant restrictions, the red tape and additional measures required will only exert more pressure on the purse strings, meaning the home cooking trend is sure to continue. Without #innovation and #adaption in this sector, we’re bound to see fewer offerings available as Darwin’s concept of “survival of the fittest” comes into play.
7. Growth of a new culture of “we”: There is nothing like a crisis to prompt #innovation. Covid-19 has encouraged some never before seen #collaboration, with a courageous first in the scientific sector who have engaged in a global approach to information sharing in terms of finding a vaccine, and in a similar vein (pardon the pun), Qantas Airways Ltd and Woolworths Group Ltd exploring the possibility of a staff secondment as a potential way for the frequent flyer partners to ride the wave together. This is a prime opportunity for businesses to look beyond the traditional boundaries of their industry sectors to explore, in the interest of #businessresilience, if one company’s weakness can be counteracted by another company’s strength enabling both companies to survive in good times and bad. Now that is what I’d call Covidspiration!
8. Changing the game: From panic buying at a personal level to emergency buying at the Government level, the opportunity for the spotlight to shine on #procurement has never been brighter. The ability to do things quickly, particularly from a #procurement perspective, is never better than in a crisis, however, this #agility often dissipates when we get back to “normal”. This is the cycle that needs to be broken through challenging the status quo. With many businesses hurting, keeping with that #cultureofwe, now is an opportune time for Government to enable the problem-solving capability of the private sector but this will require a different market engagement approach! While the opportunity for improvement in the Government sector is considerable, the reality is, no matter public or private, this is a game changer ripe for #procurement's picking!
9. An increased number of Corona Efficiency Gains (“CEGs” pronounced “Kegs”): Of a similar ilk, there are many more efficiency gains to be had. What changes has Corona forced upon us in the interest of getting things done and what norms has this crisis encouraged us to challenge? Things like the greater adoption and utilisation of DocuSign[2], increased reliance on electronic documentation and files through necessity, and of course, the huge increase in #videoconferencing are a few that come to mind. The things that have caused us pain during this crisis are often the #standards, #rules and #processes to #challenge first. Corona has merely provided us the burning platform to do things differently and to be rewarded with a “CEG” is something I definitely would cheers to!
10. An exercise and kindness evolution: Never before have I seen so many people on my daily walk, with paths filled with fellow exercisers, be it walkers, runners or cyclists. Bicycle shops have found it hard to keep up with demand and Facebook Market Place has gone insane with gym equipment sales. While many studies have promoted the benefits of exercise in managing depression, anxiety, stress and more, Covid-19 has provided a new impetus, and as long as we’ve adhered to the social distancing and hygiene rules, hopefully it’s had a positive impact on our overall #wellbeing. Stories of paying it forward and looking out for our neighbours have abounded in these times which, amongst other things, has certainly restored my faith in humanity. Mother Teresa may have been onto something when she said: "If you want to change the world, go home and love your family." The opportunity for this focus on #exercise and #kindness to evolve is at our doorstep, for which I say, "Carpe Diem"!

Ground Control to Major Tom

So, there you have it – the #Top10gamechangers Covid-19 has spawned. However, in the absence of a vaccine, life as we knew it can no longer be, and even with one, a post-Covid reality is bound to have more meaning, as when we lose freedoms, we come to appreciate what is really important. By now, you know my penchant for movies, and at this moment I’m reminded of “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)”. Walter Mitty, “an unadventurous person who seeks to escape reality through daydreams”[1] has worked at Life Magazine for 16 years and as the company is transitioning to an exclusive online market, downsizing is inevitable. Besides being an amazing movie because of the scenery and soundtrack, it also holds an inspiring message of #courage, #challenge, and #change. Mitty is catapulted into a transformational journey due to an event – a crisis – that challenges him to find his inner “Major Tom” (I said the movie had an awesome soundtrack!). Bringing this back to our current situation, there may just be an 11th Covidspiration, and that is to channel our own inner “Walter Mitty” which may allow us to find something even more special:

[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com./dictionary/Walter%20Mitty

[2] https://go.docusign.com/trial/au-msft-trynow/?elqCampaignId=17588&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=branded_primary&utm_term=DocuSign&utm_content=international_AU&msclkid=667c19d25d7f1162cd69473616c1491d

As a “Work from Anywhere” advocate, and with a few minutes spare each day courtesy of my home office, I’ve decided to share some thoughts on a regular basis via “The Mezzanine Lounge” to spark some conversations, ideas and innovations. I welcome your thoughts, in agreement or not, as long as put forth in a respectful manner.