“I am directing the cessation of all movements in Lagos and the FCT for an initial period of 14 days with effect from 11pm on Monday, 30th March 2020. All citizens in these areas are to stay in their homes. All businesses and offices within these locations should be fully closed during this period.” ~ President and C-in-C of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari
Following the President’s speech last night, the CEO, HR Director, Comms Director, and other respective Business Unit Heads may have held an emergency virtual meeting immediately that broadcast ended.
Further, to properly manage any anxiety that may have arisen as a result of that announcement, I expect that an email will go out to all staff latest 9am today, explaining the organisation’s plan for the next 14 days.
‘Cessation of all movement’ is different from ‘curfew’. Working from home is now an inevitable reality, and the bedrock of this new system is technology and communications.
The way we work will change and business leaders need to find new ways to manage staff. It may also eventually lead to system re-organisation, reduced costs on office spaces, furniture, and security.
Business leaders, how are you planning for this new future of work?
