Currently, it’s a Temporary New Normal
Sorry, the reset button is broken and cannot reverse anything from this time period. Essentially, you can’t get back to what you knew as “normal”. With many people stocking up on non-perishables, what do you feel you need to stock up on for the work you do that helps you get things done?
Since change is the new normal in any situation, Covid-19 is no different. Leading change just might be the difficult part, especially in who will go first. In this article, I’m only talking about business. The term the “new normal” is defined differently by everyone. In most situations it is the fact that you need to change what you’ve been doing for something else and still get the same results.
Due to the ever-shifting landscape and changes in strategy, leaders must constantly give clear direction to your employees as this is now an entirely new game to play. Everyone is actually looking out for themselves. New responsibilities may overshadow previous ones.
Even though you currently live in the “New Normal”, some people prefer to call our current situation as a “Temporary New Normal”. Either way it is another period in time where things change on a constant basis. Remember, change is the only constant in life. For example, just when you know the answers to questions, the questions change.
Adapting Your Business to the New Normal
“There’s going to be a lot of evolution of doing similar things but in a more physically distant way, in a more individually packaged way.”
-Katie Drucker from Seattle-based Madrona Ventures.
How are you adjusting to this new normal? Murphy’s Law just might happen: Just when you get used to doing things one way, a change will take place to do something else. No one imagined a pandemic that would take the hustle and bustle of being busy would have the world (your business) come to a screeching halt. This is where times change in an instant. And of course, the only thing that is constant is change.
As you transition to a new version of normal, start to define what you see as a temporary normal for yourself. The fact that nothing will really be the same as before will be strange enough that you will need to adopt to new changes. It is difficult to be productive in the best of times let alone with covid-19 nearby.
As technology continues to advance, remote work is becoming more common. In a recent study, Gallup data shows that 59% of those currently working from home would prefer to continue working from home as much as possible post-pandemic, while 41% would prefer to return to the office. These numbers suggest that remote work will continue to rise in America.
Communication Skills
“These aren’t normal times, so insisting that things carry on the same is unrealistic and unfair.” -Terri Bailey
Our society and the economy have changed. Business leaders are rethinking how business can be changed to save money by having employees work from home to how businesses will get done what needs to be accomplished.
A sense of belonging is what employees need in order to be productive. This can be conveyed to each employee through virtual meetings and phone calls. Using video conferencing helps to fight the feeling of isolation many employees have. Treat these virtual meetings as in-person meetings. A consistent meeting schedule allows your team to plan their own meetings and projects around that time.
Getting Back to the Workplace
“If you’re brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.” -Paul Coelho
Brimming with uncertainty no one knows how the new normal will play out. The only certainty you can rely on is that change is constant. How you deal with change is to adjust to it. You will not be returning to business as usual. There will be a new usual taking place in most organizations. The most interesting question here is: Are your employees feeling comfortable going back into the same workplace they worked in before covid-19?
Taking cues from previous experiences, your company may need to look carefully in how the coronavirus has changed the office landscape forever. Don’t expect the same-old, same-old as before. You are now in a new era of change.
When and if your employees return new hallmarks in your office could include hand sanitizer and plexiglass barriers between workspaces. Employee workstations need to be at least six feet apart in all directions. Your budget may cut some costs as you may have a lean work team, yet provide for hand sanitizer, wipes and masks may be added.
Instructions for employees to clean and wipe down their workstations including their computer and monitor. A checklist needs to be given to each employee and sign them to acknowledge they read them.
Constant Change is the New Normal
“We have a normal. As you move outside of your comfort zone, what was once the unknown and frightening becomes your new normal.” -Robin Sharma
Continual change takes place every second of every day. Some businesses have decided to go with buying devices employees must wear as to track their distance from others while working. With businesses reopening, many states have already reported increases in coronavirus cases.
Finally…
“Times of great challenge are opportunities for reset and growth.”
– Carlos T Carter
In times of uncertainty, making plans from where you’ve been doesn’t make a lot of sense. On the other hand, create various strategies for where you can take your company as the temporary new normal evolves. The next new normal is just around the corner- will you be ready?
You probably expect your new normal is return back to where you were before covid-19 happened. In reality, your new normal might be exactly what you are doing right now- working remotely from home. Many companies decided to go with leaner teams as they rethink their budgets. Bouncing back to where you were before covid-19 will not happen the way you expect.
Your life has been turned upside down as you now work remotely from home. Your life consists of talking to co-workers, friends and family through online communications. Going to the grocery store and noticing how strange it is not being able to buy everything you want and need, as store shelves are empty. This makes you wonder what will happen next.