It’s no surprise that this year was no less than a thriller drama, only difference that the movies ended in two hours and the year hasn’t. From thinking of it as a two week work from home situation to firms establishing dynamic and infinite remote working programs, we saw it all. Lockdown, lay-offs and losses became synonymous to companies but we buckled up and saw growth as well. New recruits and new businesses started to bloom as everyone viewed it as a prospect of survival. 2020 was a lot of things, and most of it online. Be it inducting new joiners, celebrating milestones or even discussing the smallest proposals, all was made through the web. Let’s have a look at all things we did differently this year!
Almost every industry uses artificial intelligence or AI to simplify the processes and so does Human Resources. One of 2020’s biggest HR trends was to incorporate more and more AI tools into everyday operations for enhanced efficiency and smoother workflow. Be it to verify essential details on a resume or to detect anomalies, these AI tools were a saving grace without any physical presence.
Owing to the pandemic and employees now seated in different cities, states and countries, team building activities became even more vital. HR professionals had to get creative, offering virtual team building ideas to managers to help their teams bond. Now, video-call-based activities where far-flung teammates can have fun together became a thing. These included virtual versions of office celebrations of achievements, festivals, retirements etc. As important as employee engagement, HRs had to make sure they brought in a good employee experience as well. This was to restore a firm’s responsibility towards their employees. For that, it became their utmost responsibility to check on their staff to keep a record of their mental well being and empowering them during trying times.
Amidst the chaos, came the most awaited time of the year, the festive season in India. Generally, during this time, offices are lit up, decorated and gatherings are a normal affair. Not only does it help take a breather from work, it is also a window of escape from the mundane routine and monotony. However, this year was different but our HRs were determined to keep up with the traditions and focus on workplace activities. Some firms sent out personalized gifts from office during Dhanteras and Diwali while some sent out experience coupons and gift cards. Not only this, almost all the companies made sure they had their Annual Diwali Party but online. Care packages were sent to all employees to indulge in, during the online gatherings with games and banter. It was different but necessary to uplift the spirits of the already routine ridden and stay at home employees. In comparison with the previous years, the companies were of the view that it was exciting to plan something like this. Every year, there was a lot of work done with vendors and storage facilities with respect to the gifts, décor, food, drinks, activities, competitions etc. This year, everything was dealt with online with even the very famous Rangoli Competition which saw online entries from employees, right from their homes. HRs went out of their way to make the season seem a little lighter and give the employees a sense of unity during such a time, thus living up to their title.
One of the brow raising moments that the Indian legal space saw was the dynamic working policies introduced by leading law firm, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas in late October which now allows lawyers to work in a combination of onsite (work from office) and offsite (work from home/WFA) modes of work. This was announced at a time when people were struggling with the changes in their own way and the policy not only created a benchmark but also carved way for other firms and companies to follow. Dynamic working policies have marked the digital transformation of ‘office’ and re imagined the whole process and future of work, thus walking hand in hand with the changes in the world.
Such a move highlights the fact that, “No size fits all”. Such progressive and out of the box thinking is motivating and accommodating at the same time. By understanding the needs of their people, it instills a sense of belongingness amongst the beneficiary. Needless to mention, this got management in similar set ups to scratch their heads and come up with their own unique solutions.
And therefore, even if this year was not conventional or even the least bit normal, we as a community, did not strike down and kept the flame of hope burning. AVIMUKTA salutes all the warriors directly and indirectly fighting to save humanity and pays respect to all families who became a victim to the unknown. We stand in solidarity with all businesses striving hard for security and survival of their employees and at the same time, driving our economy. We wish all our subscribers a very Merry Christmas and a safer New Year. Thank you for reading with us!