Since March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on workplaces. Unemployment is at unprecedented levels, remote work is at an all-time high, and the global economy is forcing organizations to quickly adjust to the new challenges facing employees.
This new workplace has forced employees and organizations to adapt to working remotely, maintaining social distancing, adapting quickly, accepting fast change, showing empathy and compassion, and staying at home for work and play. Many workers have also had to quickly pivot to the new world of learning and engaging virtually.
With the world just beginning to find some sense of normalcy amid this global crisis, many of the articles in this issue of CTDO magazine are timely for those trying to navigate this ever-changing work environment. In the Spotlight article, Michael Dorsey, chief learning officer for Maryland’s Department of Human Services, discusses how he ensures that DHS’s 7,000-plus employees have access to the training resources needed to assist more than 1 million of the most vulnerable Marylanders who need help, especially during this health and economic crisis.
“It’s not just about offering training. We’re also trying to facilitate learning as a whole,” asserts Dorsey. “Ultimately, we just want the Learning Office to be a value-add to the department.”
In the Prove It article, Aubrey Wiete examines strategic workforce planning and how to move beyond the routine to be prepared for the future. And the future sure is a little murky right now as many ask, “What the post-coronavirus workplace look like?”
Yvette Montero Salvatico writes in the Hot Topic article that the pandemic has exposed some real holes in organizations’ agility and adaptability. “The pervasive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how ill-prepared our organizations and leaders are for the increased systemic risk of our globally connected world,” she explains. “Navigating the complexities of life requires a revised way of thinking.”
Salvatico continues, “COVID-19 provides a wake-up call to our C-suites: Our teams and processes must be agile, which means our leaders must be adaptive.”
The workplace is changing rapidly. I would love to hear your thoughts on the challenges you are facing in this new unknown. Also feel free to share feedback about this issue. Which article was your favorite? Which column was most beneficial to you as a talent development executive? Please contact me anytime with your thoughts.
Read more from CTDO magazine: Essential talent development content for C-suite leaders.
