What can be learned from New Zealand’s return to work
The island nation is on the other side of its COVID-19 crisis, and has reopened its economy. Here’s what can be taken from the Kiwis’ restart.
In just a short space of time, the COVID-19 pandemic unleashed seismic change in the way we work. And now, as staff tentatively return to workplaces, businesses are wondering what happens next?
The experience of New Zealand offers some unique insights.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s response to “go hard, go early” paid off. Closing the border and a strict seven-week lockdown has seen this nation mostly eradicate the virus with the last case of community transmission occur on 29 April.
Since the easing of lockdown restrictions began in April, the country has steadily reopened for business, and by early June, virtually all restrictions were lifted, except for border control.
So, what can be learned from the Kiwi experience about return to work? Here’s my top four:
1. Plan for a hybrid, more flexible way of working.
While many employers were initially concerned about whether staff would be as productive working from home, the compulsory experiment triggered by COVID-19 proves they are.
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