We are living in unprecedented times, with one third of the world population on lock down because of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. The Financial Post talks about India’s outsourcing industry buckling, with call centers scrambling to set up employees to work from home. And even as I write this, the effects are also being felt in North America, with over half of the US states in complete lockdown, as well as several Canadian provinces.

The support call center is under fire.

During times of unprecedented crisis many are at a loss in terms of how to respond. I was looking at some research from a PWC study, which noted before COVID-19, that 69% of leaders had faced a crisis situation in the last 5 years. Also pre-COVID-19, only 54% of companies had developed a crisis plan. What does this data tell us then? 

I am certain by now you have heard the term social distancing or seen the hashtag #socialdistancing. If you are not aware, the concept of social distancing is to keep 2 meters or 6 feet away from anyone else so as not to spread COVID-19. Some of you reading this are doing it, and there are some who are not at all. It seems this is a crucial act in stop spreading the virus.

Internal community forums are a great place to encourage communication between employees and make everyone within an organization feel more connected, which is especially important when employees are working from home and feeling isolated. 

I've been thinking a lot about the recent COVID-19 outbreak and the impacts it will have on people, as we continue to self-isolate and stay safe to slow the spread of the virus. People are working from home, pubs have slowed to a halt and social gatherings are limited at best.