Optimum Performance in the New Workplace: Setting the Right Practices Amidst Pandemic

Judy Ann Pasco Pagtalunan

When the world, specifically our country was struck by the pandemic Covid-19, everything which used to be “normal” changed. From the way we communicate with others, to the processes we do at work, to even the smallest details such as our social distances, to our hygienic practices---everything seemed “new”.

New normal was born from the risks and challenges of the pandemic. To be able to conform with the safety and medical guidelines set forth by the experts in the field of medicine and risk reduction department of our country (IATF), everyone was instructed to follow strict measures to safeguard their health and also to avoid the sharp increase of Covid-19 cases in the Philippines. No one was exempted from these rules, as everyone is at risk to acquiring and communicating the virus to others. Thus, because of these changes, performance at work was put to jeopardy. People in the management level were obliged to come up with new schemes and means to continue with their businesses and respective line of work.

Management of resources both human and machineries is a necessary measure to assure optimum performance. After the lockdown of the whole country was announced, everyone was put in the comfort of their homes. The economy seemed to have frozen for a time being. Yet, it became clearer as time passed by that a country cannot afford a “time still” in its economy for everything will start to fall down one after the other. In the field of education, DepEd had always been firm with its battle cry that education must continue. We cannot sacrifice and put to stop the progress of our human resources. Thus, as we all notice, little by little, everything is going back to normal. Establishments have started opening up practicing extreme precautionary measures. I guess, this is what we call as choosing the lesser evil.

Optimum performance of any organization is dependent to the performance of its individual employee. Everyone in the company must understand the risks and must work in order to bring help to just to self but to the company/department at large and ultimately help the country’s economy to boot back. Thus, the role of the managers (leaders) is at high importance.

Setting the right practices is synonymous to orchestrating a great symphony. If everyone in the department/organization knows what to do, how to do it, and the impact of his/her role, he/ she will never let everyone down. Proper decentralization of power is a prime strategy which could be used during the time of the pandemic. Power and decision-making may be entrusted to the employees themselves, controlling their own pacing while standards were already set. This is in respect to the fact that most employees are working at home. This strategy will give each employee a sense of responsibility and accountability. The right practice is freedom. What is left for the management to do is how are they going to ensure that every member of the workplace has the feeling of being involved?

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