2022, the year we begin to get back to normal?

Steve Smith, Director, Sirius People, APSCo AUSTRALIA CHAIR

Nearly 3 months into 2022 and although across Australia we started with a bump, things definitely feel (in Australia at least) that some sort of normality and hopefully predictability is returning to our businesses, our general lives and particularly (for me) to the lives of our children.

I have been in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra in the last few days and although there is still a sense that we have all been impacted in different ways and to different degrees, each city seems to have adapted and seems more relaxed and comfortable. There is definitely a feel of more people back in the cities, restaurants and bars and offices themselves, it has a feeling of simply more people. To me it definitely feels like March is seeing the corporates who have largely been away for nearly 2 years - gradually starting to return in some capacity to the office. I strongly believe human contact not only with family and friends is essential but direct contact with work friends, staff, managers is essential for a healthy human mind. I believe it is also essential for collaboration, higher communication which drives productivity. But I also believe as leaders we have to be incredibly mindful that this may not be an easy shift-particularly for some who have had little to no "office time" or direct human contact with work. Managing this will be one of the biggest challenges in 2022.

What does this mean for APSCo?

We hope within the coming weeks to have hosted gatherings across many states and locations culminating with Emerge 2022, the APSCo Conference Lesley and the team have been busy arranging at the Sydney Opera House on 12th of May. It means APSCo can continue its focus of supporting the association's members through information and guidance, but shifting from a solely digital channel back to a blend including face-to-face contact. I look forward to welcoming a diverse group of attendees and speakers to Emerge 2022, who truly lead the way in their areas of specialisation and look forward to a great conference.

I hope to see you there.