If it’s one thing 2020 has taught is that change is indeed constant.
With the recent Covid-19 pandemic, political upheavals, social unrests and new terms such as ‘social distancing’ becoming a part of our language, change has become the new norm.
With this change in mind, returning to work would not be the same as it once was.
Sure, there may be some semblance of normalcy, but ultimately the process of going back to work after quarantine will see some new developments which we have to get used to in the foreseeable future.
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TIPS FOR GETTING BACK TO WORK
- Safety Comes First
When returning to your office, your safety comes first. Despite the decline in Covid-19 cases in many Caribbean territories, government regulations still mandate the observance of safety protocols.
As such, you can expect that in many places, you will be required to wear face masks, wash your hands thoroughly, apply hand sanitizer and keep your surroundings properly sanitized. The lockdown may be substantially over in some places, but there is now a greater emphasis on safety and sanitization at the workplace.
- Be Prepared to Adapt
Change requires adapting. You will find yourself adapting to changes in business operations. Your organisation will guide you as to what those operational changes would be.
For example you may find the structure of work arrangements changed to accommodate social distancing. Your hours of work may also be affected due to companies limiting the number of employees on the premises at once.
Given the magnitude of changes, adaptability is critical at this time. Some companies may seek to maintain working remotely and keep the bare minimum number of staff in-house. Others may implement a shift system where your daily working hours may be altered.
- Communicate Effectively
To successfully adapt to these changes, you need a sound strategy, not only to get you through the process, but to make optimum use of it. An effective communication strategy between you and your team, employer or subordinates would make the transition process easier.
- Develop a Focused Strategy
A post Covid-19 workplace requires a strategic focus. You may have to re-establish relationships with customers and stimulate demand. Your organisation may also be changing. They may be diversifying their product range, analyzing their core competencies or exploring digital opportunities and adjacent markets. As such, your portfolio may also diversify and you will find yourself in an environment that requires more efficiency, accuracy of data, innovative thinking and a need to upskill.
TIPS TO HELP YOU CREATE A NEW ROUTINE
Once you embrace the demands of your new work environment, you can seek to re-establish a routine. While it may not be identical to the one you previously enjoyed, you must be empowered to re-adjust yourself into an organised routine that works for you.
To do so, let your organisation guide you in terms of how your work should be done. Be open-minded and adaptable. Embrace your new structure and portfolio. Keep abreast of developments within your company so you know what to expect once government restrictions decrease. The sooner you put your adaptability skills to use, the easier establishing your routine becomes.
TIPS ON JOB SEARCHING
Like many people who have been furloughed or laid off, you may find yourself searching for a new job. While job searches may be discouraging at this time, it is important to note that the job market has not completely gone away. It has simply been re-adjusted. Previous business models have been thrown out as companies embrace a new age of remote work, online collaborations and creating flat corporate structures. These new business models, therefore, require new skills.
- Research & Establish Your Objective –
Getting a job in these times requires diligent preparation. This preparation involves high social and personal awareness. What type of job are you looking for vs. what is available? Are you looking for a position similar to what you had before, or will you use this opportunity to make a career switch to a job that is considered more ‘essential’?
Whatever job you’re seeking, you must realize where the market is, and how it has been adjusted. Conduct thorough research using company & government reports, press releases, business sections in the press, online job portals and employment agencies.
Get as much knowledge as you can on which sectors are picking up again and who is hiring. What skills are in demand? How well do you measure up against a changing job market? These questions are critical to ask and answer.
YOUR CV & JOB INTERVIEWING TIPS
Once you’ve done your diligent research, you would have an intimate idea of what the new job market needs, in terms of the candidates and skills required. It is essential that your CV reflects those in-demand competencies.
In this economy and job market, skills are gold. Some of these in-demand skills include:
Data literacy, coding & digital skills. A lot of business activity is being conducted online. Job seekers will need to have sufficient understanding of digital meeting forums, CRM software, Management Information Systems & Social Media Marketing.
- Creativity & Innovation
Finding new ways to acquire customers, save money or solve operational problems. Employers want new ideas and new solutions. They need candidates who can utilise generative and critical thinking to overcome real world challenges
- People Management
Communication, empathy, emotional intelligence and managing cross-functional teams
Companies need leaders who can manage people during a crisis and produce results amidst uncertain times.
Your job interviewing requirements need to be more professional, leaving absolutely no room for error. Keep in mind many people would have been laid off and your competition level is now much higher.
Employers may sympathise that you’ve been laid off due to the pandemic. They may not sympathise however, if you do not have a productive report during the quarantine. Ensure that you have a productive report. Employers would much favour a candidate who was focusing on upgrading their skills and seeking new opportunities during that time, as opposed to catching up on sleep and binge watching television.
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