Shaping Up Business at Home

​Exercising at home is one thing as many in their bubbles will tune into a Les Mills Workout on TVNZ (an excellent initiative!) or a Zumba class on-line, as we work and ‘work out’ in our bubbles, but our current hibernation provides a time for employers to become ‘fit’ too. In an interview with Jane Davis, Director, The Flourishing Institute, we looked at the three different stages of adaptability that are set to become apparent as we navigate this significant disruption.

#1 Adapting

Kiwi businesses are adapting to the situation. Business have made some tough calls to reshape teams and adapt their workforce to match the current market. As an example, one employer, a pharmaceutical company, has pivoted quickly and hired a temporary backup team to manage the volume of orders – all within twenty-four hours. Another, an IT business, has moved all their employees to form a ‘monster IT help team’ to support Kiwis across the country.

Communications last week, with over 2,500 business and government agencies nationally, showed that this first phase, or ‘the hit’, saw many Kiwi businesses doing well, pointing clearly to the strength of their Kiwi ingenuity.

#2 Boredom

According to Jane Davis’s research, the second phase will require some quick attention as New Zealanders get used to being in their bubbles and boredom becomes one issue that needs combatting.

A few industries will emerge as the clear winners in the second phase such as entertainment, streaming organisations, app development companies, online training, and online services. Jane Davis suggests that plugging people into programmes to keep them focussed on positive mental health is key in this phase. With programme topics such as managing distractions, thriving through change and building healthy thinking patterns being ideal for employees in their home locations, supporting people at this time will pay huge dividends.

The good news is that if businesses didn’t have enough time to plan for the extremely fast arrival of the first phase, they now have room to act quickly for the second one. Digital transformation, already a trending topic prior to today, is set to become a pillar to reinvent our business models. From gym businesses creating more and more online content to one of our employers, a medical technology firm, using ‘augmented reality’ to create new training programs through to toy suppliers designing mobile apps… there are opportunities out there.

#3 Slow return to normal

In the third and last phase, the ‘slow ‘return to normal’, our New Zealand way of life may have been disrupted to the extent that ‘normal’ could see significant changes. For example, once-considered perks, such as working from home, flexible hours, four-day working weeks might just become a natural part of the way we work.

Jane Davis believes that Kiwi organisations having been given an opportunity to test and enjoy the advantages of working from home, remote working systems and flexible hours, could use this as a time to evolve organisational models, improve productivity, add a competitive advantage to their business vis increased speed and responsiveness plus reduce operational costs.

So, with the first phase under way and the second phase looming, the goal of coming out of this extraordinary time in great shape as stronger, hardier and more productive and innovative is in our collective hands. By using new channels, learning new remote leadership techniques and developing strong teams, we can use this time to build our organisational fitness to a level that sees us healthy and in great shape.

For all contracting, temporary, remote or permanent staffing requirements, we are ready to assist with our 100% health checked Frog Force , nationwide. T 09 362 0528 l E shannon@frogrecruitment.co.nz




Get in touch

Shannon Barlow • July 15, 2020

Find out more by contacting one of our specialisat recruitment consultants across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Contact us

Share this article

Useful links

Search for jobs today

Got a vacancy?

What's happening in the market?

How do I prepare for my job interview?

Recent Insights

By Claire McNab May 26, 2024
In today's rapidly changing world, the call for environmental responsibility is louder than ever. With climate change looming as a critical global challenge, businesses are increasingly under pressure to play their part in mitigating its effects. One of the most significant ways they can contribute is by taking accountability for their sustainability practices, particularly in reducing carbon emissions.
By Esha Nischol May 19, 2024
In today's rapidly evolving landscape, automation is reshaping industries and transforming the way we work. While automation offers numerous benefits, including increased efficiency and productivity, it also presents challenges and uncertainties for the workforce. Understanding the opportunities and challenges of automation on employment is crucial for individuals and organizations alike as we navigate the future of work.
By Hamish Lamberton May 15, 2024
In recent years, the rise of remote work has revolutionized the way companies approach recruitment. With advancements in technology and a growing acceptance of virtual communication tools, many organizations are now embracing remote recruitment strategies to attract and hire top talent. In this blog post, we'll explore how companies are adapting to virtual hiring processes and the strategies they're employing to succeed in this new era of recruitment. One of the key challenges of remote recruitment is creating meaningful connections with candidates without the benefit of face-to-face interactions. To overcome this obstacle, companies are leveraging video conferencing platforms to conduct virtual interviews and assessments. These tools allow recruiters to assess candidates' communication skills, professionalism, and cultural fit, all while providing a more personal touch than traditional phone interviews. In addition to video interviews, companies are also utilizing virtual recruitment events to engage with candidates and showcase their employer brand. Virtual career fairs, networking sessions, and informational webinars allow companies to connect with a broader pool of candidates regardless of geographic location. By hosting these events online, companies can reach candidates who may not have been able to attend in-person events, thereby expanding their talent pool and increasing diversity. Another important aspect of remote recruitment is the use of technology to streamline the hiring process. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) and recruitment software help companies manage job postings, track candidate applications, and collaborate with hiring teams more efficiently. These tools automate repetitive tasks, such as resume screening and scheduling interviews, freeing up recruiters to focus on building relationships with candidates and making strategic hiring decisions. Furthermore, companies are investing in employer branding initiatives to differentiate themselves in a competitive talent market. Through social media, company blogs, and virtual office tours, organizations can showcase their company culture, values, and employee benefits to prospective candidates. By highlighting their unique selling points and demonstrating their commitment to employee satisfaction, companies can attract top talent and create a positive candidate experience. Finally, remote recruitment requires a strong emphasis on communication and collaboration among hiring teams. With team members working from different locations, it's essential to establish clear channels of communication and set expectations for roles and responsibilities. Regular check-ins, status updates, and feedback sessions ensure that everyone is aligned and working towards common hiring goals. In conclusion, remote recruitment strategies are becoming increasingly essential for companies looking to stay competitive in today's digital age. By embracing virtual hiring processes, leveraging technology, and prioritizing communication and collaboration, organizations can attract and hire top talent regardless of geographic location. As remote work continues to evolve, companies that adapt and innovate in their recruitment strategies will be best positioned to succeed in the future of work.

NZ's 2024 Employment

and Salary Trends Report

Salary trends, talent attraction and retention strategies

Request your copy
Share by: