Normally at this time of year, I like to write a reflective piece looking back at the year as we head in to the festive season. However, this year, I think most of us would agree that 2020 is a year best consigned to the annals of history.
This time last year, I don’t think any of us could have imagined what the world would look like in just 12 months’ time. Since March, employers have had to react quickly to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, resetting and reshaping both business and people strategies in much shorter timescales than would usually be the case.
While the situation is obviously far from ideal, and indeed far from over, with many businesses continuing to battle for survival, we have seen a number of positive initiatives emerge within many organisations as employers look to support their workforces. In some cases, this has resulted in a wholescale shift in working arrangements or benefits strategy, particularly among organisations which previously based their package on location-based benefits.
As we increasingly settle into the ‘new normal’, it will be interesting to see what the coming 12 months bring. While it won’t happen overnight, I’m sure I’m not the only one hoping for a return to a greater sense of normality at some point in 2021.
For many of us, the upcoming holiday period will look very different this year. Whatever it holds for you, I wish you a safe, happy and healthy festive season and very happy New Year.
Debbie Lovewell-Tuck
Editor
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