Weekend Musings: Unboxing Optimism

I still remember vividly that only a few weeks ago we were all wondering what the situation post lockdown would look like. There are very few words that could actually describe my experience when the lockdown was lifted in May because it was surreal to travel through empty roads in Gurugram in the morning. It was something I had never prepared for and no premise would ever tell me that we would somehow be in such a situation. 

Let me remind you that when I went back to office, it was after almost 2 months of work from home, zero face-to-face interactions and most critical of all, the overload of information. The focus was obviously on following safety protocols diligently, but there is another aspect - of the mind.

As per a survey, 93% of India Inc employees are worried to return to offices. How safe is it to step out now? What if I pass on the virus to my family? What can I do to protect myself? These are the questions many are asking, as the government reopens the economy amid rising cases of Covid-19 infections. If you feel anxious to go out, your emotions are perfectly justified. I took almost a week to soak in the reality and took extreme precaution in ensuring that I carry no risk. The utmost focus is on safety – at the workplace and at the individual level. Learning to live like a civilized society is the way forward – the actions of one individual can greatly impact the rest. Hence, it is important that we, individually, follow official safety guidelines at all times for the sake of self and others.

At work, we are analysing and monitoring our offices and factories to avoid any scope for risk. There are several policy decisions that helped encouraged people to come back in rosters. I regularly engage with my team, dissect issues and solve bit by bit by addressing their concerns. I have been honest about the restlessness I faced in the beginning and I’m being honest about how comfortable I am today with the processes in place. I have come to terms with the fact that the ‘new normal’ is not new anymore but it is the ‘normal’ now. Change comes with resistance, only this time our resistance was accompanied by caution. With ‘collective wisdom’ from my COVID taskforce and senior leaders, I find myself more in control of the situation. That along with the ‘collective positivity’ with more and more employees coming in, is a sign that we’re on a cautious, but right track.

As I have said in my earlier blog, it is OKAY to not feel okay – we just need to be cautiously optimistic and that will help in sailing through. To be honest, there are only three things that will keep us safe, no matter where we are – 1) Social distancing 2) Regular sanitizing 3) Wearing masks properly – this is what we all need to adjust to as we resume our lives outside the comfort of our homes. For organizations, they need to be prepared and communicate exactly what they have put in place for a sanitised and healthy work environment. Making employees feel safe and comfortable with employee handbooks to stringent safety measures, to psychologist and mindfulness sessions.

My mantra which gets me going is to “take the first step and then the universe takes you in the direction you aim at.” What was once anxiety, is now optimism, and I hope someday we get to see Vibrant Panasonic in full swing.

Until then, stay safe.