Why You Need a Plan B (and Plan C) These Days

Our daughter is heading back to Drexel University next month. At least we think she is. If you’re following the headlines, you’re aware of how quickly colleges are changing their minds to bring students back to campus.

It’s been almost six months since her return home from college. 

Her school goes all year round, which means she’s been attending classes from her bedroom since the pandemic began.

As you can probably guess, it’s been an adjustment for all of us.

I asked her what she was most looking forward to about returning to Philadelphia, and here’s what she said.

“I'm looking forward to seeing people who are my own age.”

I don’t blame her. As much as I’d like to think I’m still twenty years old, I’m not. It’s time for her to get her life back and for my husband and I to be empty nesters again.

Right now, we have three plans.

Plan A is to send her packing, where she’ll be living in an apartment with three other girls. She knows two of them, and they’re in alignment in terms of how to conduct themselves during this pandemic. Of course, the fourth roommate, who has yet to be assigned, is the wildcard here.

Hopefully, she’ll fall into line, even if the girls have to use a little peer pressure!

Plan A also includes packing lightly. The way things are going with schools, she might be back home before we know it. She’ll also have a bag packed and ready to go if she finds herself whisked away to quarantine land.

And now Plan B. As I write this, rumors are swirling around that her school is going all online. Considering the majority of her classes are already online, the plan is for her to move still.

There, she’ll be with people her age and will be able to get her independence back. Besides, there is no way out of this lease, which means we’ll be shelling out a hefty amount of money whether she’s there or here.

Plan C: Plan C is for us to move to an island and have her attend classes remotely. We could all use a change of scenery.

As you look to bring employees back to your campus or offices, what’s your Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C? 

Some people will gladly return to their physical location, while others will be hesitant. And then there will be those who flat out refuse to return to the office. We also all run a genuine risk of being told to shut down and go home again.

How will you handle each of these scenarios? 

What policies and procedures do you need to put into place today to address all these scenarios?

How will you best support workers through this transition?

There was no playbook for operating a company during a pandemic until I wrote it. The New Talent Playbook for The Post-Pandemic World is about a three to four-minute read. It is chock full of valuable information, including a checklist you can use to prepare your organization for what may be.

I’m making this available to you at NO COST. Email me at [email protected], put the “Talent Playbook” in the subject line, and I’ll email a copy to you.

And for those of you looking for support during these challenging times...

Sign up for advisory or coaching services by Monday, August 31, 2020, and receive an additional month of support for FREE. Mention this LinkedIn post to take advantage of this exclusive offer. For more information, send a note to [email protected].

P.S. We just received the news that Drexel University will be completely online this fall. Does anyone have a place on an island available for rent?