Weekend Musings: Resuming Normalcy Step-by-Step

We’re at crossroads right now. One that I hope we’ll never come across again, but one we’ll surely see through. And I know we’ll see it through because mankind’s greatest feature has been adaptability and seeing the toughest of times through. The greatest experience the lockdown brought us, is the gift of introspection. I am glad to have had an opportunity to recalibrate what I truly want from life, and I trust my readers have gone through this phase as well. 

While being as productive as we can, a lot of us have also focused on how we can really change things, not for ourselves but for others. We’ve spent so much time attaining possessions before, now we’ve all done something for someone else. Be it feeding the stray, cooking meals for others or doing daily chores, I think this period has flipped a switch making us more empathetic towards others and contributing to the benefit of the community at large. 

The unique place we’re in is an opportunity to stand still and really consider our options before we move forward. The biggest conversation is how work from home or social distancing is the new normal. To me, these are momentary exercises –that could potentially extend to a few months or even years. But eventually, I think we will regain normalcy in most aspects. That being said, nothing is ever permanent, latest developments might change how things unfold. 

When we do get the nod to slowly and completely return to normal, we will see a drastic change. Hygiene is going to be our greatest priority, be it public places, how we live, how we move and where we work. As we trickle back to offices, the following months will provide us with enough insight into what the future of the new normal might look like. We might see hybrid models of working, derived from what we predict today and what we actually encounter in the future. 

While we figure what the new normal could look like, I for sure can tell you that we’re not prepared to accept this change at the get-go. For example, a few of my colleagues and I have been visiting the office for two weeks now, I have to be honest and tell you that it took us a while to regain confidence. The roads to office are empty (rare daily experience in Gurgaon), strict protocols at office and several temperature checkpoints are constant reminders. However, since all of these things point towards the good, we will adapt as I said earlier.

Business is slowly reviving as well. I look forward to engaging more with the sales force and motivate them in the coming week. I wish I could be with them in the field as it used to be. As a leader, it is important to be there for your employees not just to guide them on work, but also for moral support. We have ensured our offices follow all processes including the adoption of Aarogya Setu app and screening measures. Following the guidelines set by MHA and the State Government, we have divided our corporate office into three zones – each zone with select employees across different business functions, defined walkways, respective lifts, and allocated facilities like washroom, pantry, and printers etc. 

For the businesses that are coming back to life slowly, steadily and cautiously – I would like to say that the security measures and the experience of going back to the office is both satisfying and fulfilling. I know for sure that you will head back to offices with the utmost care and do an outstanding job for your return.