Make no mistake, for many businesses, 2021 will start the
long road of recovery. With the
uncertainty of the elections, racial tensions and talks of additional
shutdowns; many businesses can’t seem to catch a break. The year 2020 has been a punch in the gut for
organizations large and small. We’ve
seen unexpected and unprecedented revenue and profit loss and staggering
numbers of layoffs, furloughs and salary reductions. Midway through the year,
many businesses, like many individuals, have written 2020 off as a complete
loss, turning attention, energy and creativity toward preparing for a better,
brighter 2021.
The hope and desire for smooth sailing will drive enhanced
expectations and increased pressure for businesses and employees to get back to
pre-pandemic levels of performance and profitability. This charge will fall on
the shoulders of a significantly reduced workforce because hiring often lags
behind economic recovery, and experts project as many as 42% of
pandemic-related job losses becoming permanent. It’s hard to conceive, but the
already stressed workforce of 2020 may not get much relief in the year ahead.
A big question for business leaders will be: As markets
rebound and companies demand better results, will the increased emphasis on
employee well-being and support services during this time of pandemic and
social unrest regress once economic recovery is in full swing? Human resource professionals are the
corporate world’s eyes, ears and conscience. Acting as the organization’s moral
barometer, they focus on the welfare and well-being of their employees. Even if
the pandemic subsides toward the end of 2020, HR leadership will be just as
critical in 2021 because it will be up to us to ensure that as companies aim
for blue skies, they don’t create darker clouds for their workforce.
It comes as no surprise that without the right talent,
organizations will be hard-pressed to excel in 2021. The challenge instead
becomes better understanding who this talent is in your organization and how to
support them. In looking to rebound as
quickly as possible, business leaders may be inclined to push team members
harder than ever before. It is imperative that your employees can thrive in
new, high-pressure environments while delivering results. Being resilient, agile
and dynamic and having a high EQ throughout the organization will make this
possible.
Even those who previously excelled in a high-pressure
environment are weary from the personal and professional stresses that the
pandemic and social unrest have brought about. Elevated attention and resources
to support flexible work schedules and mental health — made commonplace earlier
in 2020 — will continue to be essential into 2021.
Organizations should not wait to prepare themselves for next
year. As HR leaders, you need to gather teams and start planning, strategizing
and working now on how you will position your organization in the future.
Focusing on the right values and cultivating crucial talent will be key to
preparing your organization for the year ahead. After facing the unthinkable in
2020, you can help your organization avoid an unwelcome surprise of a more
stressful 2021, and thrive instead.
It is good to have a partner that is an expert in utilizing
the most advance resources available today.
Questco is there to help you inspire your labor force through a plethora
of HR Services such as: Payroll Services, Benefit Plans, Benefits
Administration, HR Technology and Workers’ Comp & Safety Services. Utilizing Questco’s vast experience, your
company can thrive in today’s environment.
Charlie Reeves, Senior Business Development Manager, has
decades of experience in Human Resource Solutions. He is one of the most senior members at
Questco and recognized for helping clients of all sizes save money, improve labor
efficiency and provide the strongest support for HR Services. As an entrepreneurs himself, he has lived the
long days and sleepless nights on the road to success. He brings the skill and scale to support you
in the pursuit of your goals. For more
information on payroll services, benefit plans, benefits administration, HR
technology, workers’ comp and safety services email Charlie.Reeves@questco.net or
contact him directly at 936.521.5841.