The New World Order- Post Covid-19

There will be a new world order Post-Covid19. The way we work will be altered forever, and one phrase that will come back to haunt so many is “Non-essential”. 

A lot of people are happy to be termed “non-essential workers” understandably, at this time; however, Post Covid-19, “Non-Essential workers” will mean something totally different.

Essential workers will be the value-adding employees who went above and beyond even while working remotely to deliver impeccable results while the non-essentials will be those prying on the current crisis with insolence. 

Just like separation in relationships gives room for reflection, work separation breeds evaluation and surely, roles and functions will be continuously evaluated; decisions will be made on results and value; projected and otherwise, eyes will be on employees every step of the way. The truth is that HR is already taking note; while the C-suite is watching closely. I spoke with a few friends in HR yesterday, and while it may seem too early for evaluation, side talks are going on already.

I remember my high school days in boarding house, right after every long holiday every student was expected to come to school with new house wears and new school shoes, It was an unwritten code, but everyone got the memo. Post-Covid19, employers do not expect employees coming back with the norm; they expect unicorns with a magical touch to fix and restore; surely, self-leadership will be a deciding trait. 

Although some businesses are rising in this time; such as digital products companies, and other fundamental providers, the majority of companies are being affected drastically, employees will therefore not be welcomed back as deadweights rather as value machines..

Now is not the time to just Netflix and Chill, or parade in Pyjamas till late noon. Now is not the time for missing out on scheduled work meetings or ignoring work calls. Now is not the time to use your other family responsibilities; kids and maintenance as an excuse for complacence. Your laptop, mobile phone and internet cannot afford to malfunction at this time.

The world is watching. Get a working schedule, work from a to-do list, turn off the TV, cut off from social media if need be, invest in personal development, acquire new skills digitally, continuously seek ways to add value to your team, be accessible and diligently get the work done.

The casualties from COVID-19 will not just be the mortality rates, loss business revenues and jobs; it will also be the loss of promise for many.

Think about this for a second, post-Covid-19, will you still be an essential worker or a luxury that can be easily dismissed?

Kemi Ogunkoya is a Leadership Transitioning & Executive Onboarding Strategist. She is an advocate of youth and women empowerment. Asides work, Kemi loves spending quality time with her family and loves to play tennis. Follow Kemi on Instagram @kemi.ogunkoya and join The PowerWoman Network  (Women Only) to join a new tribe of women disruptors.