Rapidly spreading across the globe, COVID-19 disrupted life as we knew it. SCG, like many other businesses worldwide, feared the impact of COVID-19. If history can teach us anything, it is that from a crisis comes challenges and an uncertain set of risks. On the flip side, out of extreme hardship sometimes comes unexpected silver linings.

Coming to the end of 2020, the SCG executive team have taken time to reflect on the year as a whole and discuss the lessons learnt from this crisis.

Our Team went about its obligations with purpose - we thank them!

Prioritise Employee Wellbeing

SCG has always understood the importance of our employees. This year, however, was a reminder of just that. We have always offered flexibility and freedom in working arrangements, whether that be working from home or on-site. The work-from-home transition was smooth, and our employees were quick to adapt to the new “covid normal” of primarily working from home. We provided our staff with the equipment they required to work comfortably from home.

Being located in Melbourne, we all faced a prolonged but necessary lockdown. Early on, we became aware of the stresses caused by isolation and the loss of human face-to-face contact that our employees endured. That is when we initiated phone ‘round tables’ and Microsoft Teams end of week get-togethers / “virtual drinks” to actively encourage regular contact between all of our staff.

Client Focused

Throughout our 11 years of operating, we have been driven by our client focused approach. This year has called for SCG to emphasise this approach through our “We Are Local and Here for You” strategy. We recognised that many of our clients faced lockdown pressures, many of whom were working from home and needed our support more than ever. Our management team closely monitored our clients, both directly and indirectly, to meet emerging and changing needs with energy.

Digital Innovation

SCG did not stop, retract or abandon innovation despite the pressures of lockdown. We have been fortunate that our digital development over the past few years meant we had systems and procedures in place to provide a general framework for all areas of our business that allowed us to adapt and communicate effectively. 

Final Thoughts from SCG

• Support and protect employees – Lockdown is difficult for everybody

• Provide clear information on changing rules from Government to employees - regularly

• Do not withdraw but rather accelerate – Clients are people and need support more than ever

• Always look for ways to innovate, even during times of crisis

• Listen but also communicate with people – Human contact has never been so important

• Be prepared for anything