Next-Generation Execs Share Problems, Solutions During Roundtable
TRSA’s Next-Generation Executives Problem-Sharing Roundtable: Lessons Learned 2020, a two-hour virtual event, focused on a variety of problems that the linen, uniform and facility services industry is currently facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the topics discussed during the roundtable were employee engagement, handling remote work, new services, products and innovation, and customers’ needs and concerns.
Employee engagement was a hot topic during the roundtable discussion, with various executives discussing the importance of keeping a good synergy within the office and ensuring employees stay engaged with each other. Attendees discussed how this has become difficult with the introduction of remote/virtual work and a significant loss in face-to-face time. Numerous businesses held weekly meetings and/or happy hours over Zoom or some other form of videoconferencing as a strategy to address this issue. However, despite best efforts, it’s hard to replicate the advantages of working in person with fellow employees. Many executives were optimistic about the reopening of the economy and relaxation of restrictions now that the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is underway, hopefully resulting in a return to more people working from the office.
How employees and businesses handled remote work also was discussed in detail. One problem that many executives saw was that many employees were forced to work from home as a result of declining childcare options. With the closing of schools, sports, after-school activities and daycares, parents didn’t have as many options for childcare during the day. With the vaccine rollout and reopening of daycares, schools and other activities, parents will have more options for childcare moving forward so that they can return to the physical office space.
New products and services, as well as innovations that companies implemented to survive these difficult times, were also discussed during the meeting. Many linen, uniform and facility services businesses started to produce, procure and sell healthcare items such as protective gear or cleaning materials. New products included hand sanitizer, soap, masks, gloves and protective wear for hospitals such as scrubs. Many companies began servicing new customers that they hadn’t previously considered working with, such as dental offices and virus testing sites.
Finally, roundtable attendees talked about the needs and concerns of their customers during the pandemic, largely revolving around the need to get hard-to-find products and keep their workplaces sanitary. Many linen, uniform and facility services businesses used their supply-chain connections to provide sought-after items such as hand sanitizer. Also, many attendees noted how important it was that they increased their interactions and visibility with their clients during this time, while also remaining flexible with orders and offering high-demand products. These actions were critical in building stronger relationships with customers.
The Next-Generation Executives Problem-Sharing Roundtable wrapped up with a discussion of future meetings, including a July workshop for Next-Generation Executives in the Chicago area. If you’re interested in joining TRSA’s Next-Generation Executives Committee, contact TRSA President & CEO Joseph Ricci at jricci@trsa.org.