Homeworking advised in light of new variant
As fears of rising cases of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 dominate headlines, the government has asked businesses that can work from home to do so to stop the spread of the virus.
Shining a spotlight on the industry
Wednesday, 15 Dec 2021 14:35 GMT
The new Omicron variant has led the government to ask businesses to work from home if they can
After a year in which restrictions were all but gone, the anticipated winter/ Christmas influx of infections and a new variant means industries such as the wide-format and print sectors must now adapt once more.
So far, the pandemic has seen the print industry react in a variety of ways as those involved in production have been considered essential workers due to the prints and packaging they produce.
Those who are office based, like those in sales or admin roles have now become accustomed to hybrid working or being fully based at home.
Rob Thurston, head of Duplo UK sales, says: “The beginning of the pandemic was a massive learning curve for our sales team. We were used to always being in front of the customers and bringing them to our headquarters.
"Although Duplo pulled out all the stops for online demonstrations and personalised videos for customers, nothing really beats watching our finishing machines run through their paces, especially with the customers own work going through.”
As Thurston mentions, face to face interaction and visits are essential for the industry, especially when considering the benefits of networking events, business meetings, and team bonding exercises.
But with the rising potential of half a workforce waylaid by illness, as seen in the education sector, hybrid working is still being considered a permanent fixture in the world of work.
Thurston adds: “With the rise of the new variant we’ve ensured that the sales team are extra vigilant, only visiting customers when it’s safe to do so and inviting them to Addlestone as a last resort. At the centre of our business is its people and we do all we can to support and look after their health.
"Our customers are just as important, and their businesses need our equipment to keep going so we try to maintain a balance and ensure everyone acts according to company regulations that follow government protocols. It is challenging, but we’ve seen both our staff and customers rise to the occasion and power through.”
With working from home now advised by the government, some companies who have never returned to offices may not need to change. But for a production-based industry like print, many businesses will now need to re-pivot to ensure the safety of staff, and the continuing workflow at one of the sector's its peak times.
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