It is getting evident, that we will not go back to the “normal” way of working, as we used to know it. The world of work has changed, and is ready for further changes. The corona virus has, simply speaking, accelerated the diffusion of workplace trends towards more human, flexible and individualised ways of working.
This gives each of us a tremendous opportunity to step into a new and improved way of working that better suits our individual needs.
Right now, the time window is therefore open for further changes and adaptations, as we have now entered a mode of “acceptance” towards experimenting with how we work.
My advice for you is therefore to use this opportunity to actively step up into the helicopter and reflect about what you have learned about your own ways of working and mental well-being during the corona changes and lockdown.
I have created a simple template with 5 key questions, to guide your (honest!) reflection:
- What have I missed from my previous working life during the lock-down?
- What parts of the ‘old world’ and ways of working would be beneficial for me to leave behind?
- What have I started to do, during the lock-down, that has been good for my mental well-being?
- What other reflections and insights related to my well-being and working life have the changes caused?
- Actions: Of the above findings, what do I want to take with me into my new working life? How will I do it?
You can grab it here: KARINA KAAE – Self-reflection exercise for my working conditions post Corona
I fully acknowledge, that as individuals being a part of a greater workplace, we are not singly in charge of deciding the conditions for our work.
But many organisations are now very open for experimentation, and it is therefore my recommendation that you use this openness to jointly reflect. You can suggest to use this template to kick-start the joint learnings.
If you are a team leader and have line management responsibility, this template can serve as a tangible tool, you can provide your team members in advance of your next team meeting to enable a team dialogue about your team’s well-being and ways of working.
I hope you find it useful, and if you have any feedback after using it, I would love to hear it.
All the best,
Karina Kaae
Would you like to know more about mental well-being and personal performance? You can follow Karina Kaae’s LinkedIn page Sustainable Lead or subscribe here the newsletter.
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About the Author, Karina Kaae
- Karina works within the field of positive psychology, where she helps individuals and companies improve mental well-being and performance in the workplace.
- She offers inspirational talks, seminars, consulting and 1:1 coaching.
- She has a background as a management consultant with McKinsey & Co. focusing on organisational and cultural changes.
- She holds a MSc from Copenhagen Business School, specialised in organisational communication & business administration and is currently taking a MSc in Positive Psychology & Coaching Psychology from The University of East London.
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