By Linda Parker, Executive Manager, Eden Ritchie Recruitment 

We’ve all heard the word, whether it be in a work/change related aspect or the classic Friends episode involving Ross’ new sofa (yes – self-confessed Friends geek here).

But what does it really mean? I think COVID-19 has reinvigorated this term and given it a new lease of life, where people have had to do more than simply be agile, or flexible, or adaptable…

Originally, a pivot was a “a central rod around which a mechanism turns”.

I have had the benefit of remaining really busy the last six months since the COVID19 way of life took hold but am now finding myself looking at ways to keep that momentum up because I know that the less busy, the less productive I can become. Sound familiar?

Personally, for me the need to pivot has provided a sense of renewed energy, vigour and purpose. Despite typing this at 3pm in the afternoon whilst trying to ignore the desire for chocolate or something as equally sweet and satisfying … I am remaining positive about the future and the opportunities that such dramatic change can offer.

In speaking to hiring managers over the past few weeks there is a common theme … that businesses / departments cannot survive for too long with limited resources. People will burn out to the point of a complete and utter imbalance to work and life, possibly leading to stress leave and the flow on impacts to ‘business as usual’ and delays to critical projects … and with working from home more common than not these days, the boundaries between work and life have blurred considerably. Thanks to this cycle, I see hope on the horizon for the economy to pivot and unique opportunities to surface.

Hang in there, we all need to draw upon our innermost resilience right now … and chocolate.