The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we live and work at a systemic level. Social distances are maintained in stores and restaurants. Many people continue to wear masks and gloves when they go out in public. And the workplace has potentially changed forever. Many businesses, who valued office space, conference rooms, and in-person meetings and interactions, are re-evaluating their business model. Teleconferencing platforms like Zoom, GoToMeeting, and Skype have skyrocketed in terms of use and adoption.
Telecommuting
Many companies have invested in telecommuting since the outbreak of COVID-19. These companies have invested in technology, office furniture, and mobile solutions for staff suddenly thrust into a new work environment. It is easy to say that our people are adapting but let us look at healthcare. Have you ever thought about doing speech therapy while wearing a mask? Kind of hard when you cannot see the other person’s mouth or facial expressions. Telemedicine and Teletherapy have been thrust to the front of the treatment line. Have you stopped to think about how telecommuting has impacted nurses, doctors, and other allied health providers? For decades, practitioners have been taught to make real time and in person assessments of patients who present with healthcare needs and concerns. Now a huge portion of that work is being performed remotely by telemedicine!
We just changed the way we have practiced medicine since the beginning of time in the space of about ten weeks. That is mind blowing and mind numbing at the same time.
Managing Rapid Systemic Change
We are clearly living in a changed world. Some, maybe many, of these changes are here to stay. Have you taken the time to think through the long-term implications for your company and your staff? Have you created a plan to introduce staff to what it means to be and become a telecommuter? Those of us in leadership cannot turn a blind eye to the changes going on around us. The companies who act swiftly and decisively and who adapt rapidly will experience the greatest success. Mark Cuban made a comment a few weeks ago, and I agree completely. He said we will look back in 10 – 15 years and say, wow, these companies got it right and look at their success.
The companies who act swiftly and decisively and who adapt rapidly will experience the greatest success.
Create the Action Plan
An old management adage says that we should plan the work and then work the plan. By doing so we will make great progress. In these rapidly changing times, there are four things that we as leaders can do today to help settle some of the unease that our associates may be feeling.
- Be Patient During This Time of Change
- Create a Sense of Virtual Community
- Keep Staff Up to Date
- Now is the Time to Over Communicate!
Now is the time to put your action plan together and begin over-communicating with your staff. It will pay huge dividends down the road!
