Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 40 | Page 19

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// TRENDING PEOPLE-CENTRICITY DURING COVID-19 CRISIS – A TRUE TEST FOR MANAGEMENT SKILLS The Coronavirus pandemic has forced many people to work from home across the world. Companies have had to make sure their IT systems are ready for remote working but managers also need to think about how their employees are coping working in isolation. Tarryn Swemmer, Group HR Executive, Decision Inc, explores what managers need to consider. The economic and human impact of the lockdown in South Africa will be felt for years to come. Of course, the immediate priority is heeding the brave leadership of our president to ‘flatten the curve’ and minimise the spread of the Coronavirus. Inevitably, for all of us, this is introducing new ways of remote working to ensure companies remain operational during the lockdown. For those teams and companies that excel in this accelerated reality, it could result in lasting changes to the way that we work and collaborate long after the lockdown ends. Businesses that have been focusing on Digital Transformation are contending with much less physical and technological disruption. Their information workers are more easily able to make the transition to remote working. But even so, it does come with its share of challenges, especially on the human aspects of becoming a virtual team and maintaining a collaborative, inclusive environment where teams can still deliver effectively. When there is no face-to-face interaction, technology becomes a missioncritical enabler requiring engagement through video conferencing, virtual meeting solutions, and virtual activity planning and tracking tools. Thinking differently These accelerated shifts in our everyday work reality will see many colleagues and “ AS MANAGERS, WE SHOULD KEEP OUR FOCUS ON ENABLING THREE MAJOR SUCCESS FACTORS IN OUR TEAMS – PRODUCTIVITY, COLLABORATION. www.intelligentcio.com INTELLIGENTCIO 19