The outbreak of COVID19 has been one of the most stressful times, personally and professionally, that we have witnessed on our lifetimes. It’s extremely difficult to know what to do next when it seems each day brings new warnings that alter whatever trajectory you or your business were on only a few short weeks ago.
We here at Hager Executive Search want to ensure everyone, from our fantastic clients to the brilliant talent we interact with, that all is not lost and that this too, shall pass.
At present. everyone’s number one priority rightly should be to focus on and take care of the health and well-being of themselves, their families, and their loved ones.
The stock market will go up again…and down again…and up again. Just like it always has.
Layoffs and unemployment may spike for a time, but they will stabilize. In fact, the employment rate will most likely spring back rapidly once the Coronavirus has been contained. People will be aching for human interaction and many of the businesses that are suffering the most (hospitality, restaurants, etc.) will see an overwhelming increase in demand for their services.
The question is what to do in the meantime…
There is no such thing as “business as usual” anymore. But that does not mean that businesses will stop completely. We’ve already seen businesses pivot and adapt to the “new normal” of social distancing and quarantining.
And it’s very possible that your team can be as equally productive using networking technology and the good ole’ fashioned telephone. There’s really no need for a computer programmer to be onsite when they can code from their living room couch. Marketing plans and data analysis can be done with a laptop and a kitchen table. We will all adapt.
Here at Hager, we’ve encouraged our team to telecommute and utilize networking technology like Skype and GoToMeeting for years. Job interviews and assessments can be done via Zoom or telephone or both. In fact, the process of hiring can still be done with little interruption if planned properly.
In the meantime, the focus should be on health and wellness and preventing the spread of the Coronavirus. So, do what you can, when you can, as best you can with regard to your business. And wash your hands!!
This too shall pass…