Lockdown lessons – What we learned from lockdown

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a huge eye opener on the way businesses operate and how we all work. The importance of good processes and systems has been highlighted with the new normal of remote workforces and the ever-increasing number of companies who will not be returning to an office.

Here are some of things we learned that might be helpful for you.

We can still work effectively from home

Many businesses have long dismissed flexible and remote working for years as it has been associated with lower productivity. But the pandemic has forced us to revaluate this notion and it appears the opposite is true with productivity increasing in some areas.

By removing often stressful commutes and allowing more flexibility in working hours, employees are benefiting from a better work/ life balance and employers are seeing a return in increased productivity.

Business resilience is key

Ensuring that there is a plan in place in the event of unexpected circumstances is vital to keeping business continuity. Who is going to be able to answer the phone? Do our systems allow remote working? Can our internal processes continue with a split workforce? These are all questions that a plan should be in place for.

How are your systems helping you?

There has been a lot of talk for years now about cloud and remote systems, with a number of trailblazers having already made the jump to new technologies.

This pandemic has now forced cloud technology to go mainstream, with a variety of businesses now benefiting from the features and advances of it. Keeping old outdated server-based software stops businesses from growing and innovating.

Communication and face time

While everyone is locked up in their homes, it is vital to ensure that team members are still communicating with each other to ensure continued cooperation and innovation. Many tools like Microsoft Teams and Slack are being implemented and show that cooperation can continue outside the office.

The explosion in video calling from popular applications like Zoom has shown that the personal touch of face to face communication is still important to build relationships and continue working effectively.

Pets make interesting team members

Cats and dogs all over the world have been making their onscreen debuts to colleagues and clients alike. They have been offering a great surrogate company, and interesting situations. We suspect cats want us to get back to the office as soon as possible!