A post-pandemic workplace will put people first as far as University of Wollongong Vice-Chancellor Patricia M Davidson is concerned.
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That's what UOW's boss told 'The Next Era of Work in Asia-Pacific and The World' online discussion.
UOW's Dean of Business Professor Grace McCarthy also was a panellist in the online discussion hosted by the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday night.
As more people are vaccinated for COVID-19 in countries around the world, companies are grappling with the challenge of figuring out the post-pandemic workplace.
Professor Davidson said recovery from the pandemic would present leaders with huge responsibility and huge opportunity.
Professor McCarthy agreed with the sentiments of her boss. But she added that the disproportionate impact the pandemic has had on women, also needed to be addressed.
"Women in most countries spend more hours on housework and more hours on childcare. During the pandemic this has even increased, and so it has had a disproportionately negative impact on women in terms of physical and mental health, work and financial stress," Prof McCarthy said.
"Many women are exhausted, anxious and afraid. Sadly there has also been a huge increase in domestic violence, the so-called shadow pandemic.
"We need to articulate what women need to succeed and help them to get a mentor.
"On the positive side, women are comfortable with emotion and showing vulnerability in the workplace.
"Their leadership style will enable them to be successful post-pandemic leaders - if we provide the support needed to get through this."
Professor Davidson added after this period of significant change, people in leadership required a period of recovery, reconciliation and readjustment.
"With this, however, we have a significant chance to learn from the past, to revitalise and focus on what our priorities are. For anybody in any leadership position it is a huge responsibility but also a huge opportunity," she said.
"Those of us in leadership roles need to look for the opportunities to put this unavoidable period of change to good use to create meaningful and positive social impact.
"Having seen firsthand the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic it has reinforced for me the need to put people first in our decision making."
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
