The RETURN

We're in the midst of one of the worst conditions to ever impact the world, the COVID-19 Pandemic. It has brought devastating negative impact to the global economy, stopped mega-corporations in their tracks, stretched healthcare systems to or even past their limits, disrupted supply chains and, most unfortunately, cost countless human lives. It will end soon, and hopefully we will have learned from it, as well as have developed an effective vaccine for it.

As we do see signs that COVID-19 is peaking, we need to begin thinking about the return. We can't wait until the day the world gets a green light in order to start making plans for what we'll do, as people who have been forced to work from home, or even furloughed from their jobs, begin to return to work. We need to think ahead and plan now. Business Leaders, Team Leaders and HR Leaders, this is on all of us.

Many offices and businesses have been totally unoccupied for several weeks, potentially even a couple of months. Before people return to work, these places need to be deeply and professionally cleaned, disinfected and sanitized. Then, even and especially after people are back, the need for keeping the cleaning regimen at a high level increases. Also, expect people to look to have more space around them at work, rather than being elbow to elbow like they may have been in the past.

Keep in mind that people returning to work after this crisis will rightfully be a bit jittery for awhile. Extra precaution will be needed. In fact, don't expect everyone to immediately come back like children running into the classroom when the bell rings. People will have to slowly work their way back into the world of work, and back into the world in general, after having witnessed the impact of this terrible condition. So, companies and leaders need to respect this and help people reacclimatize, and maybe do so on a kind of "phased-in" approach.

Don't expect everything to just immediately go back to the way it was, as if nothing ever happened. COVID-19 has changed the world, and we will likely feel its effects for quite some time to come. In fact, many companies will have learned whether Remote Working works for them, or doesn't. Under very unfortunate conditions, this has been a kind of forced experiment for many. Those that learned it does work, will likely change how they deploy and utilize their talent going forward. It may be that fewer people are needed onsite, and more will work from home or other remote locations. Therefore, it could also mean that companies will need less office space in the future, but probably will invest more into technology and communications equipment. Much is still to be seen, but we should expect change.

It is a new world, and we're going to see another New Normal. We need to be agile, flexible, open to change and, leaders will need to ensure they stay close to their team members, especially in the early stages of reintegration. Have patience and be flexible. Make sure your team knows you care for them and about them and that you are willing to help them. You won't have all the answers, no one does. But, commit to work together and figure out the best solutions. Learn from what others are doing and/or have done, and implement what you feel works for you and your team/company. Remember, Best Practice is not a one-size fits all. Best Practice is what works best for YOU and YOUR company/organization.

We'll get past this and get back to normal, but it will be a New Normal. And, we'll figure it out.