The new normal – really?

Managing change has been a hot topic for many years, across many circumstances – be it business or personal. So, how are we doing under the circumstances?

Frankly, we are zoomed out and most of us have never worked harder for less money. Lay-offs, furloughs and companies closing down are the order of the day. It’s mayhem. So what now?

According to Michael Jackson, professional speaker on change, there is no ‘new normal’ just as there is no normal. “In our lifetimes we have lived what we might better term in an ‘abnormal’ manner; inasmuch as change has been rapidly and constantly occurring. Change today is now coming at us even faster than ever before, and is now a virtually constant scenario. Humans don’t handle change very well and therefore crave normality.

“And nor do we need to ‘pivot’, as we rather need be both ‘conscious’ and ‘awake’ to this new order of things. It has been claimed that global markets will take five years to climb back to precorona levels – and that means 2025! For now, a brand new year, 2021, is around the corner, and is coming whether you are ready for it or not. 2021 will take no prisoners; sweeping in change before it at a never before seen pace. It doesn’t care about you, your family or your business. It’s just coming. You’re either ready, or you’re not,” he concluded.

Rethink everything

The point is that there are no clear answers in our murky crystal balls. One of the true phrases that has emerged from this global mess, is that we have to rethink everything. We are all sick of phrases including “the new normal”, “unprecedented” and “pivot” – yet these are all reality and we somehow have to deal with it. What does “normal” mean, lately and into the future?

It has been inspiring to hear how many companies have battened down the hatches and huddled together with their teams, looking for solutions. Similarly, it has been amazing how many of them came up with solutions on cost saving.

Varying degrees of stress

One of the biggest cost factors is office space. Until six months ago, working from home was frowned upon by owners and managers, yet now it is the norm with massive cost saving factors attached. Not just for employers, but employees too. Consider people who no longer have to sit in traffic for an average of three hours per day, increasing productive hours, sleep time and reducing stress. Of course, in some cases having to work from home increases stress, depending on the home environment. That is another important factor that employers have to consider when making that call.

Hard-hit industry

It is not an easy journey and we literally have to learn as we go. It has been an uphill battle to get governments across the globe to understand the vast economic impact of our industry. We have been hit the hardest at all levels, from large corporations to hotel groups, game lodges and boutique guest houses, not to mention our suppliers, including audio-visual, entertainment, transport, guides, tourist attractions, restaurants, pubs and their suppliers.

Collaboration is now more important than ever – from private sector engaging with public sector – not just nationally but across borders. African borders are slowly but surely reopening but do we have an alignment of Covid-19 protocols between governments? This will be key to ensure smooth sailing and avoid conflict. Borders may be open but generally, people are not traveling and they are not flocking to meeting venues. It is critical to reinstate customer confidence. Airlines and airports may have protocols in place but if they do not match the receiving destinations, it creates potential for havoc with clients possibly being quarantined, whether they have the virus or not. Most travel insurance companies will not cover the expense of an unplanned fourteen day quarantine; hence clients do not want to risk the expense and losing two weeks of unpaid leave.

Make a plan - together

Our global policy makers need to have a round table meeting as a matter of urgency, compare notes and come up with travel solutions that can help restart economies and restore our dignities. They can only do this with the guidance of private sector and we, as private sector, need to get our heads together and help our governments come up with a plan. We are all better together and we need to make it happen – soon.

By Tes Proos, president of Site Africa