The pandemic created a lot of negativities for the workforce in the last 18 months and a local business leader is choosing to also give attention to some of the positive changes that have come about.

Michelle Bezditny is the Executive Director of the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce, and while she recognizes the challenges that have occurred in the workforce during the pandemic. She also sees some changes that have benefited businesses including maintaining operations and focusing on business growth.

‘(Businesses) have been able to come up with creative ideas that have less incurred overhead or operating costs, especially when employees are working from home or if there's a hybrid model, some in the office, some at home. They're able to maintain their workforce and actually increase their workforce on potentially a tighter budget.’

The pandemic shed a spotlight on the flexibility of the workplace, and Bezditny saw it occurring in workplaces across the southeast. More workplaces began offering a hybrid model of blending time in the office with working remotely.

Bezditny says, ‘it's gaining traction because it potentially balances the need of the businesses with the employee's work-life balance.’

A coordinated effort between employer and employee is required to successfully navigate the new workplace and Bezditny is seeing this happen more frequently and says it speaks to organizational health.

‘Many of our local businesses consider this important and have or are including the priority of a healthy workplace in their corporate strategy. Often there is a strong correlation between health, performance and customer satisfaction.’

Finding ways to work in the pandemic was made easier thanks to technology. From video conferencing to online workshops and virtual training. Personal development opportunities arose that wouldn’t have prior to the worldwide embrace of digital connection.

Virtual training has become more common and Bezditny sees this as a positive outcome from the pandemic. ‘It also has expanded our networking and contacts on a virtual platform, especially with leaders in the business community. Specifically for our business leaders, this has expanded their contacts both provincially, nationally, and globally.’

With the promise of the province re-opening throughout the summer, Bezditny says southeast Manitoba is more than ready for it. ‘We are hearing very positive words and encouragement, and businesses want to serve their customers.’

Bezditny says that customer service is a big value for southeast Manitoba. The annual Steinbach Chamber Business Excellence Awards are set for September 2021 and local 20 businesses have already been nominated in the Customer Service Award.

And it’s not just customers that are recognizing the service, Bezditny says that local businesses also see the value in strong customer service. ‘Our businesses have ramped up their messaging and they continue to recognize the importance. Our community has nominated our businesses and they're voting for our businesses, specifically for customer service.’

Bezditny is thankful for business leaders that advocate and support the health of local businesses and the health of the community. ‘Steinbach and the southeast are considered communities with incredible heart, character, generosity, and integrity. And this is clearly reflected in our local business community as well. Local businesses are more than just to place the shop, they're a part of our communities' backbone and invest in the community in so so many ways.’