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The New Landscape – Post Corona Virus by James Dubowski

On March 17th I was sat in the Ashley Kate office debating the pros and cons of trainers with jeans with my colleagues (whilst focusing on the recruitment of HR professionals, of course!).  We had also had a meeting with our CEO who came in to talk to us about the fact the business was watching very closely the development of Coronavirus and how they would be keeping us all updated daily as things were escalating rapidly.

There was clearly a lot on the news around Coronavirus so when I returned home and felt a bit ropey, I did as advised and checked my temperature I was so shocked that I sent this picture to my Manager.  I was a little concerned which increased more so when it reached 41 degrees.

The following month is a blur of fevers, fatigue, 111 calls and an ambulance visit.

Though I know not everyone feels this way, I was pleased I was then furloughed, as this gave me the opportunity to fully recover.  The aftermath of the illness for me was breathlessness for over a month and I also experienced hair loss as well as weight loss of 2 stone.  I was very lucky and I am now feeling absolutely fine, the hair loss has stopped although the weight has increased, but my clothes are still baggy so I am just thankful to be as well as I am.

After 4 months off work, I am back in the Ashley Kate office. How glad am I to be back…? VERY!

The communication and contact from my business whilst on furlough was exceptional, I’ve been horrified to read and hear stories from people who haven’t even heard from their Managers. The transition back into work for me has been smooth, training has been provided, re-boarding has taken place, It is understood that it will take a period of adjustment and time to get back into the swing of things fully and I feel thoroughly supported.

I’m ready, willing and eager to throw myself back into my work, I am already speaking to my contacts in HR and it is obvious that the landscape has changed.

Priorities have changed, people have re-evaluated their lives, and many have lived on less money and been able to do so. Lots of you have spent more time with your families, and want to continue to do so (Though some do seem very eager to get back into the office!).  People have enjoyed the flexibility of working from home and want to continue to be trusted with this flexibility. Clients have found they can, or through necessity have needed to combine roles, and many have seen the value in the roles they had to furlough.

As you are getting used to the new landscape so am I.

Internally in my business, things have changed. Ashley Kate HR & Finance are part of a wider group, Nicholas Associates Group, I’ve been surprised to come back to a bigger team. The different businesses within our  Group are working far more collaboratively, often in touch with each other on a daily basis, the use of video conferencing has brought everyone together, who knew that not being in the office would actually make us closer?

It’s great to see some positives come out of this awful time.

I’m here to support you to ensure your requirements are met, to discuss your new landscape and how it impacts on you personally and if relevant your team.

I will continue to provide a personal and professional service and listen to your needs.

Take care, stay safe and please get in touch.

 

James Dubowski

James Dubowski is an HR Recruitment Consultant who works in the south region partnering with the HR Community to help source the very best talent.

You can connect with James on LinkedIn here

or email: james.dubowski@ashleykatehr.com

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