Leaders were under "No illusion” expecting the change and transformation of a future state to be 'difficult' at times.  It was clear that the most significant issue was around sufficient funding moving forward to enable current programmes of work to be completed posing the question as to whether the continued investment would be available and a priority to pursue future developments.

Many experienced cost cuttings and reductions in personnel before COVID-19 and thus a theme that further 'efficiency' will need to be applied not only to 'who does what' but also to 'what' and 'how' we do it moving forward.  Resources are tight and stretched; how resources will be deployed in the 'return' will be under scrutiny to meet high expectations around ongoing performance.

Teams have responded well to change.  Adaptability has been impressive, engagement levels are good, learnings are being captured and initiatives to engage. Support staff seem to be at an all-time high with the organisation's we spoke to, and they are sensitive to exhaustion, post-traumatic stress, mental health and wellbeing, all being paramount. Work patterns are being considered, and several businesses spoke about the opportunity to 'rest and rotate' to ease return and minimise burnout.

New policies and reward structures were being implemented that recognise change and ‘old-fashioned’ practices were being abolished, a move forward to the future of work and rapid progress. 

So far, so good, but what does this mean for the transition and what do these insights tell us about what we should be thinking about in our forward planning.  Getting this next phase right will be fundamental to a smooth and productive transition back to a 'new reality'.  A reality where businesses can balance tight cost controls alongside designing cost-efficient, lean operationally strong business that gets the most out of every resource moving forward, especially its people.

Tina Jennings, Cosán Cróga Limited
Telephone: 07765 060298
Email: tina@cosancroga.com 

Andrew Carter, Reward Risk Management Limited
Telephone: 07904439172
Email: andrewc@rewardrisk.co.uk

Jo Brooks, Aligned HR Services
Telephone: 07788278295
Email: joanna@alignedhrservices.org.uk

Johanna Hooper, Limitless Peak Performance
Telephone: 07713196730
Email: johanna@limitlesspeakperformance.co.uk

Kirsty Brooks, People Perform Consulting Limited
Telephone: 0333 577 1319
Email: Kirsty@peopleperform.co.uk

Richard Frost, People Perform Consulting Limited
Telephone: 0333 577 1319
Email: Richard@peopleperform.co.uk

Jane Baalam, Reward Risk Management Limited
Telephone: 07415 974004
Email: janebaalam@rewardrisk.co.uk