Defining Your Own New Normal
From Manchester to Mumbai, citizens everywhere are feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic with governments’ crucially prioritising public health. At the same time, there are many different crises ensuing across industry and in the workplace.
While the likes of airlines and hospitality businesses have been hit severely – many of them awaiting further government assurances to determine next steps – some businesses are thriving. For some industries the unfurling ‘new normal’ has played to their strengths (online retail, streaming sites, content hosting apps etc). However, many more traditional businesses are suddenly finding themselves in a period of self-evaluation and needing to make adjustments to safeguard future success.
As somebody who has been principally working from home for the last 2 years (albeit without so much childcare juggling) I find myself in the unique position to provide a bit of advice.
‘Office’ is Just a Word – Working Remotely
The word ‘office’ is synonymous with conventional working, and so it is difficult to imagine a world without office blocks. Suddenly though, a much different cityscape is emerging with many people adapting to working from alternative places for the first time. Here is how you can make the most of working remotely:
- Face to face isn’t everything/li>
Although at one time it might have been unprofessional to suggest a non-physical first meeting with a potential client, now, most professionals will have no hesitation in agreeing to a virtual meeting or a phone call.
Non-physical meetings can lead to more effective, objective-based communications as well as saving huge amounts of travel time which can be reinvested. This applies equally to the legal industry as it does with any other business environment.
- Reaching out
Networking and business development are just as possible in the digital space. Embracing digital communication may allow you to cast your net wider – if this is possible for the type of business that you are in. For the best results, it’s important to look at how your message is being received – or if it is being received at all.
Social media comes in many forms. If your business is not the type to advertise on Instagram or Facebook, maybe LinkedIn or Twitter is where you will find your audience. You might even find some success on more direct platforms like WhatsApp.
Whatever the platform may be, it’s important to ramp up your digital profile in order to ensure that the most relevant audiences know that you are open for business.
If this is something that is new to you, take your first steps now. All of what you need to know is already online, and there are plenty of sites and tutorials to guide you to success.
- Creating a comfortable, effective space
The biggest challenge that comes with working away from the office is working out how to incorporate a work area in your personal space. Every professional’s scenario is different, with family and living situations impacting to varying degrees. This means it is vital to ensure that you can conduct your professional business most efficiently.
A good internet connection will put you anywhere in the world, allowing you to meet anyone at any time. Ensure that you have the right equipment to best harness the advantages of borderless communication. Don’t be afraid to invest in the software that will allow you to spread your message most effectively.
For many, the reality is that it is impossible to work from home. In recent years, many urban spaces have seen a proliferation of shared workspaces. These can also be used to facilitate meetings on an ad hoc basis if that is a requirement.
If it is possible to leave the office behind permanently, it means money in the bank. If you are a business owner, it means saving on property and rent. For employees, the savings can go on things like petrol and childcare.
Adjust and Embrace Change
These days the words ‘unprecedented’ and ‘trying’ are being used in every other conversation. While emphasising the shared nature of this crisis, this also allows us a moment to reflect. See how you can lead in ensuring that the ‘new normal’ is something that you can forge on your own terms, and not let circumstances dictate your success or failure.
By making some small adjustments, we can help things become much less trying in the future.
Please contact Mark Quinn on 01733 865136 or click here to email him directly if you have any queries about this article.