Leading in these difficult times: How COVID has impacted organizations & employees
COVID. A word so small yet so impactful. Something that changed the way we live, work and view life. Till about a year ago employees were tired of going to the office every day, wishing for unending WFH days, and I guess someone just made their wish come true!
In 2021, till about March-April, everyone thought the pandemic was slowly dying down, till the second wave came and hit us like a truck. The days stretched for employees battling with their work, safeguarding their families and themselves at a time when the infection was at its peak. In trying times like these it is often best for humanity to fight against an evil, united. And that is primarily what most organizations started doing.
During this phase, many leaders and organizations have been trying to support their employees, all the while keeping in mind the availability of resources in the organizations, that too has been hit due to the pandemic. However, given the current circumstances, the focus of many companies has shifted steadily to the well-being and upskilling of their employees.
organizations are supporting their employees in numerous ways such offering healthcare and medicine grants, testing and vaccination support as well as cash allowances. Having immediate access to healthcare and medicine and cash during these times can become hugely beneficial for employees. organizations are even building funds for their employees/employee families to manage medical and incidental expenses they might face and support them both financially and mentally during these times. The pandemic has also brought forth several mental health and stress related challenges and organizations should help employees deal with these issues as well. Organizing online sessions with wellness experts could help.
Apart from these, organizations are also looking after the state of skilling in their companies. A recent report by McKinsey - The next normal arrives: Trends that will define 2021—and beyond emphasizes that 2021 will be the year of transitions. organizations will look forward to shaping their futures rather than just grinding through the present. The new normal is going to be different, and at the forefront of it all are the employees. This only highlights that upskilling will be a major focus for all companies. The report states how digitally enabled productivity will accelerate the Fourth Industrial Revolution, in the spheres of technology, digitization, and new forms of working that are going to be sustained. Upskilling the current workforce will be the new norm.
Infact, owing to the pandemic, Udemy has been releasing the top trends reports per month since march that shows the top skills for employees using Udemy For Business.
In these times it is extremely important for employees to feel at ease and understand the current situation, what they need, how they need and what they can do to stay relevant. Many workers have questions about what is happening around the world and how they can cope up with the situations being thrown at them. In these times, even small steps go a long way. Little things like holding seminars for employees, giving them medicinal grants, helping them realise how they are important to their organizations, helps re-establish emotional and mental re-connect with employees, thereby increasing morale and boosting productivity in the long run.