Adapting to the New Normal

07-April-2020

By Chief Human Resources & Administration, Afnan Saleh

On any typical day, I’d be running from one meeting to another, checking my emails and phone calls. I’d be looking at the Human Resource plans that I had put in place at the Bank, forecasting future requirements, thinking about how to engage with our employees, maintaining healthy relationships at the Bank, supporting them in their individual career plans and paths, and continuing to create a culture of innovation and learning.

But nothing could have prepared any of us for the recent outbreak of COVID 19, which is impacting people around the world, not just in terms of physical health, or financial welfare, but on emotional and social levels.

As we struggle to make sense of the ‘New Normal’ it can be tempting to go into hiding and just wait for things to go back to normal. In the face of this, we have been forced to adapt to these new circumstances where our very own safety is at risk, and as a result, what many of us have realised is that things that used to matter fundamentally, and things that we once valued, aren’t as rewarding as they once were. We have changed. It is in times like this, where we return to our values as an organisation, to figure out what we find intrinsically rewarding. At BisB, we formed our values together as an organisation, values that we identified with and that still ring true in the face of all of what’s happening – Bahraini, Innovative, Simple and Bold. For organisations that haven’t yet, as we have, come to terms with what they identify with, the silver lining of all of this is that it provides the perfect time to reconnect, recommit and take stock of what values underline their corporate culture. Nevertheless, we are very fortunate. The reality is, it is these very values that help us move forward, and provide a sense of comfort, as we work together as a support system, helping each other through this difficult time.

I don’t doubt the immense pressure this global pandemic has placed on each and every one of us. Beyond our immediate safety, the social distancing in and of itself takes a toll, and we’ve had to make huge changes to our daily routines, which is immensely stressful. And yet, this is the perfect time to reflect. We can use this as an opportunity to pause and ask ourselves, “How can I be better? How can I navigate through these uncertain times? How can I support my colleague, my neighbour, my family or friend?”

We can still put in ‘contingency’ plans, and adapt to whatever life throws at us, and adapt our plans as we deem necessary. The truth is, that somewhere in between the virtual and teleconferencing, and the constant online platforms discussions back and forth of coordinating with teams, communicating across multiple WhatsApp groups, and doing focused isolated work, I have found myself more productive than ever.

Against all odds, this has been one of the biggest challenges that make us who we are and shaped my appreciation for our organisational strengths. It has heightened understanding of what we need to do to ensure more productive, ever dynamic, future work procedures. In my view, our outlook is bright and clear. We just need to stay ahead and steer away from the troublesome winds.

In the spirit of sharing, I invite you to share with us your ‘New Normal. How do you find yourself coping with the new norms? What things have you learned about yourself and the organiSation? Give us your tips and tricks that have worked for you to stay sane! To everyone reading this, #stay home and #stay safe! We are one family and are all in this together.