Transition To Returning To Work

All organizations are facing the challenge of the transition to returning to work.

The Status Quo

Essential businesses have remained open during the initial part of this pandemic.   Most had smaller teams in their offices while the rest of their teams worked remotely from home or were temporally laid off.   With the government assistance, businesses were encouraged to keep all employees on payroll.

Our team started with only six in the office and after a couple of months we were eight.   When we hit Phase 2, we increased our team to twelve in the building with the rest working remotely.   At this time, we are envisioning status quo to see what the next couple of months bring.   Are we going to move to Phase 3?   Will there be a second wave?   Once we are in the Fall and past the flu season, we anticipate bringing part of our team back while part of our team will remain working remotely.   This is our updated version of status quo.

Back To Pre-Pandemic

Smaller companies and those that can safely accommodate all employees are moving to having their entire team back in their organizations.   They can work in their offices, in their plants or in the field practicing all the safe social distance recommendations.  Wearing a mask when interacting with others and using hand sanitizer as often as required are a couple of standard practices in place today.

We have seen grocery stores for example continue to provide their products and services throughout these challenging times.  Front line workers in all industries we thank you for everything you do to keep us safe.  Personal service professionals such as chiropractors and registered massage therapists are re-opening and taking care of their patients.   The safety protocols in place have made it challenging to see the same number of patients as they move towards pre-pandemic services.

The Remote Model

Some companies are sticking to the remote workforce model.   They have figured out how to run their businesses with the entire team working remotely.   With today's technology, access to all the company data, team members, clients, prospects, suppliers and other stakeholders can be done all from home using reliable cyber security best practices. 

This means more online meetings, more e-mails, texts and phone calls then ever.   It also results in smaller investment in work-spaces, less travel expenses and less vehicle maintenance.   Leaders are reviewing all these factors to determine if the remote model is short-term or can be a long-term/permanent model to follow.

The Hybrid Model

We have adopted the hybrid model since day one.   Some of the team are in the office while others continue to work remotely.   There are other versions of the hybrid model.   One version is some employees work in the office on Mondays, Wednesdays and every other Friday while other members of the team are in the office Tuesdays, Thursdays and every other Friday.   Another version is one or two weeks in the office, then home on a rotating basis with the other half of the team.

Our hybrid model will continue as long as necessary to keep the AlphaKORians' and our clients safe.   The front door is locked.   Employees working from home are encouraged to pick-up/drop off products only as necessary and stay in the front double set of doors.   If anyone needs to enter the building, a mask is required and a questionnaire must be filled out.   This applies to client visits, service calls and appointments which are kept to a minimal.

Thank You

As we wait to see our world open up or stay restricted, we are business as usual taking care of everyone in a timely and professional manner.   Our core values have not changed and we are proud and humbled to be helping so many keeping their businesses running.  The AlphaKORians' have pivoted, embraced the challenges and have delivered excellent teamwork and quality throughout this pandemic.   Thank you!

What is your organization doing with the challenge of transitioning back to work?

(Originally published on 07.29.20)