ISSUE 3 JUNE 2021
Changes in the Industry due to the Pandemic
AT THE START OF THE PANDEMIC, MANY COMPANIES WOULD HAVE QUICKLY ADJUSTED, GOING IN A “BATTLE” MODE CREATING CRISIS MANAGEMENT GROUPS, IMPLEMENTING PANDEMIC SAFETY PROTOCOLS, QUICKLY ADJUSTING OPERATIONS, AND FORMULATING NEW WORK FROM HOME ARRANGEMENTS. However, nothing could have prepared the industry for the challenges and harsh reality the impact of this pandemic would bring. Many of the strategies, coping mechanisms and technological developments seen during the past year will now shape the way business and operations are conducted for years to come. One of the major changes has been a genuine and renewed focus on employee well-being, in particular, mental health. Throughout the industry, companies have taken a deeper look at the stresses and anxieties employees are facing during this pandemic, recognising that these stresses are real and can greatly impact overall company performance. Support mechanisms for mental health are more readily available and are accessible remotely
18
including employee assistance programmes, open discussion forums, relax sessions, homeschooling support materials, and free access to applications. Companies rose to the challenge by accelerating the digital transformation process. Data is now revealing that the pandemic has fast-forwarded the migration of data and record systems to digital platforms well beyond five years. Remote or work from home arrangements has forced the industry to transform traditional methods of paper-based information and everyday activities into digital means that can be accessed, shared, and collaborated with team members safely from home. The movement of information and files to robust and secured Cloud technology is no longer optional or seen as a luxury item. The creation of virtual workspaces almost overnight has facilitated rapid change in work culture and opened opportunities for new project management techniques. Organisations and project team members at large have realised that they no longer need to take long flights and to meet face to face when the same level of collaboration can be done virtually. Heritage's Digital Transformation project is a demonstration of this as project team members have been effectively collaborating daily for the past year with the location of team members being scattered across the world. In addition, a range of professional
