Transitioning back to work after lockdown

We asked some professionals how they transitioned back to work

With Covid-19 hitting globally, survival became key in all industries. Getting back to work has brought a new perspective, novel ideas and conviction. Many people are still left confused and apprehensive about going back to their offices. We asked professionals what they are feeling about going back to their workplaces as it is still uncertain what the future holds.

Zahra Khan

Restaurateur - Cosa Nostra

It’s been a rough few months for the restaurant business and was heart breaking to furlough so many of our employees. Though the danger of Covid-19 is still very real, we are glad the economy is opening up. The most important thing is for all of us to protect ourselves and be considerate of others as we go out. It would be a real shame if due to people’s carelessness and negligence the government has to instate another lockdown.

Hira Nazir

Strategy Manager - Car First

I am feeling absolutely fantastic meeting colleagues and working in an office environment again. Also the feeling of normalcy makes one feel positive. This as a result has made teams feel motivated to work hard and get business off the ground again!

Shehla Chatoor

Fashion Designer

We only stopped working for about 10 days but otherwise we have been completing all our orders and working on our new collection. These are trying and strange times but thank God we managed to keep our work going.

Kiran Khan

Investment Banker - Abu Dhabi Investment Authority

After working for 19 weeks from home during the height of the pandemic, I returned to my workplace a few weeks ago. Prior to this, the WFH concept was non-existent for my organisation and during this time we went through a physical, psychological and technological adaptation - which has been largely successful and the business itself has maintained its momentum. Working virtually was a challenge for me and I had been looking forward to returning to work to resume normality. The work environment at the moment is also really flat. We’re missing the usual buzz and vibe which definitely impacts my energy. So all in all this highly anticipated return has been a little anti-climatic.

Beenish Saleem

TV Host

Though I was constantly working in corona times also due to the nature of work I have but as the world opens slowly to the new normal it is always wonderful to get back to work. With all the finances going haywire due to Covid-19 it gives a lot of confidence and stability that businesses are opening that will slowly kill the insecurity of getting jobless or less paid. When you find freedom and security it reclaims an inner power leading to self mastery. Opening with a new normal is not only helpful for the pocket but also very important for mental health.

Amina Raja

Make-up Artist

Going back to work after months of quarantine felt extremely strange but good! Still it’s a very difficult time between following very strict Sops and a one bride policy, it’s been very hard. Businesses have suffered a huge loss and it’s going to bounce back very slowly as we head into Muharram and Safar months so basically we will know in October how things will be! Hoping for a miracle and no second wave with that I foresee a slow and steady ascent! InshAllah.

Raza Ahmed

Restaurateur

The restaurants experienced an unprecedented toughest time. It almost felt like the end of the world when the lockdown started in late March. As I look back I can only thank God that Pakistan has somehow miraculously dodged the virus. With the restaurant just recently allowed to operate with 50% of our original capacity, we see a lot of new problems like small restaurants not being able to make any money. We can only hope and pray for another miracle, that the government understands this problem and helps our industry in any way they can.

Hina Butt

Member Punjab Assembly

I was never off work. We had the budget session in the Punjab Assembly amidst Corona but proper SOPs were followed. Also as a party we were distributing ration bags and PPE kits, so as a politician we are never off. But it is important that strict SOP’s should be followed. A good change is that the restaurants are open and now we can socialise with friends a bit.

Hira Khan

Make-up Artist

Going back to work has been like stepping into a new alien world. So much has changed but we are following very strict SOPs and ensuring all our clients’ safety at the salon. All our staff has been trained to look after our clients because clients are also now desperate to rush to the salon to get their long overdue services done and we have to cater to them all.

Amina Naeem

Fashion Designer

With Covid-19 hitting globally, survival became distinct in all industries. Getting back to work has brought a new perspective, novel ideas and conviction. After months of living in sweatpants and pajamas I am really excited to start my work again. I, as a couturier strongly believe we are going back to a period of mind full luxury, authenticity, craft and tradition. We need to look at more sustainable ways of production and design through a new perception since Covid-19 has eradicated impulse buying from consumer behaviour. Everyone wants a worth for the product they are investing in.

Shabana Adam

Analyst- System Inc

Going back to work felt like some kind of ease or relief about a return to some extent of normal, whatever ‘normal’ looks like in this unprecedented moment. But there was also a feeling of fear, awkwardness and trepidation because of the ongoing health threat and new levels of financial uncertainty. As business activities are slow, there is lower revenue resulting in less cash flow. Due to economic uncertainty managing cash and liquidity positions may be crucial in the months ahead.

Khushi Butt

Fitness Trainer – Iron Box

I am really excited that gyms are finally opening. I feel very motivated and want to motivate my clients equally to come to the gym and start getting back into their good shape. Lockdown has been really stressful for all of us and our bodies have taken a toll so it’s high time that we train physically so our immune system becomes stronger to combat any disease.