Absence makes the heart grow fonder as senior leaders look forward to seeing one another again and building back relationships, re-establishing rapports, re-connecting with those they have missed: it all shows that the human connection counts.
Yet still the fears of the virus spreading persist; the assumption that these can be allayed by companies mitigating such concerns with decent safety measures. Perhaps the biggest challenge will come with a resistance to return to a culture built around present-ism rather than being valued for what you do, not when you do it.
RETURNING TO THE OFFICE
The dynamics of how we work have been challenged
The “power of brainstorming effectively and creativity has been limited while we’ve been stuck in our homes…”
IMPACT OF COVID-19
Getting to know you
“I have been under immense pressure at times, whilst having to support others and I have had my wants and needs as an individual tested. But I feel like I know myself better as a result, now.”
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Everyone is feeling it
“I line manage seven people, all of whom have different needs and concerns. Some (particularly younger) members of the team are missing the human interaction of working in the office, as their social lives are more tied up with their colleagues than many of my older colleagues. That can have mental health impacts, so is something I’m monitoring and discussing regularly. Other people in the team have vulnerable relatives and friends, so are absolutely justified in being concerned about the potential impact of the pandemic.”
COVID-19 CONCERNS
Brexit, Brexit, Brexit
“The impact of Brexit on the UK will be far more far reaching than the pandemic. Utterly self inflicted pain – but the nation democratically ‘chose’ it so we live with the consequences.”
WHEN THE WORLD RETURNS TO NORMAL
Not so much a pivot but a series of pirouettes…
“We gave our time to create a campaign for the local hospice and gave digital marketing expertise to run Facebook advertising. £250,0000 raised. Personally I’ve also given career coaching to 1 person made redundant and 1 person wanting to career change. We’re also doing virtual work experience for a Uni student.”
WHAT HAPPENED DURING LOCKDOWN
If only there was more time…
“I’ve tried in the past but my job is too time-intensive and involves out of hours work as it is, meaning if I took on voluntary support, I would never have time for myself”
VOLUNTEERING DURING LOCKDOWN
Opportunity knocks for Agencies wanting to connect the dots between giving back and the positive impact on mental health – if only there was more time to do it…
VOLUNTEERING WHEN THE PANDEMIC IS OVER
