We are currently navigating a period where many industries are emerging from an extended phase of inactivity. While large organizations have focused on developing strategies to observe, address, and mitigate the challenges brought on by the pandemic, MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) have been scrambling to find the right tools and methods to address the harsh reality left in the wake of this global crisis.
Instead of quickly evaluating the pandemic's response in terms of the organized economy, it’s important to first acknowledge the facts that underpin this situation. The scale of the global shutdown has revealed two crucial aspects about progress in the modern world.
The Dual Nature of Progress
The first key observation is the interconnectedness of the world. The rapid movement of people across geographies has highlighted the dichotomy of economic development. While technology enables swift travel and communication, it has also allowed the COVID-19 virus to spread rapidly across borders, hitching a ride as people go about their business.
Secondly, the pandemic has forced businesses to re-examine collaboration and team management. With living rooms and bedrooms doubling as workplaces, traditional business management models have struggled to adapt to the sudden changes, though some exceptions have shown the potential for success in this new environment.
Looking back, the responses of different nations provide valuable lessons. Nations with a medium ranking on the human development index have fared better than those with high rankings. Their approaches offer interesting insights into how to manage global crises, emphasizing that human development isn’t the only factor that determines resilience.
A Bold Transformation Plan for the Future
As the "new normal" takes shape in a world where living with COVID-19 becomes the status quo, national governments face a multifaceted and inherently complex set of challenges. For industries and organizations, a strategic management plan can help chart a path forward, offering significant potential for future growth and resilience.
Preparing the Workforce for the Future
The pandemic has left many workers feeling uncertain and overwhelmed, as the biological threat has introduced significant disruptions to their professional lives. With the rapid spread of the virus through contact, planning for the future has become an increasingly complex task.
A swift deployment of e-learning-based assessments can provide a validation checkpoint for organizational resilience, helping to safeguard your workforce’s well-being and readiness. Skill-based training, leadership programs, and customized e-learning packages can help refresh the workforce, using the time spent away from the workplace to restart, reorient, and get employees ready to perform.
From an occupational health and safety perspective, pre-packaged e-learning training modules are already available to ensure safe operations once the workplace reopens. These training resources help employees reorient themselves to safety protocols and company standards in the post-pandemic work environment.
Digital Solutions for Field Operations
For industries reliant on field operations and contractor workforces, digital solutions for contractor management offer immense potential. These solutions can ensure safety, health monitoring, and vigilance, even in challenging times. In situations where capital is constrained, organizations may consider piloting mobile app-based programs, which could later be expanded into full-scale digital platforms.
Technology plays a key role in this transformation. It needs to be crafted and tailored to meet the unique challenges of the current environment. Selecting the right digital transformation partner can help shape these solutions and bring them to life.
For more information on how your organization can prepare for the post-lockdown world, visit Core EHS.