With today being 29th February 2024, the leap year day, we thought this would be a good time to look back to four years ago and reflect upon how the world has changed since.
So, come and take a seat in the Prolojik DeLorean, check the Flux Capacitor and set the date for February 2020 as we take a look back firstly at the events around the world, and then here at Prolojik!
In February 2020, the world witnessed a convergence of significant events that left an indelible mark on various aspects of global affairs. From the escalating COVID-19 pandemic to political upheavals and natural disasters, the month was a crucible of challenges and changes. Such as:
Impeachment Trial of Donald Trump: The United States grappled with the impeachment trial of President Donald J. Trump. Accused of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress related to dealings with Ukraine, the trial concluded in February 2020. The Senate acquitted Trump, highlighting deep political divisions and setting the stage for heightened debates on presidential conduct, executive authority, and the mechanisms of checks and balances within the U.S. political system.
Australian Bushfires: While the peak of the devastating Australian bushfires occurred in late 2019, the aftermath lingered as a major concern in February. Efforts for recovery and support for affected communities continued amid dividing discussions worldwide on climate change and its role in exacerbating such natural disasters.
Brexit: The geopolitical landscape underwent a seismic shift as the United Kingdom formally left the European Union on January 31, 2020. In February, discussions and negotiations unfolded regarding the future relationship between the UK and the EU. The implications of Brexit reverberated not only across Europe but also on a global scale, impacting trade, politics, and international relations.
Locust Swarms: East African nations, including Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia, grappled with a severe locust infestation that posed a significant threat to food security. Efforts were undertaken to control the swarms and mitigate the impact on agriculture, showcasing the region’s resilience in the face of environmental challenges.
Harvey Weinstein Trial: The #MeToo movement took centre stage as the high-profile trial of former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein unfolded. Facing charges of sexual assault and rape, Weinstein’s trial underscored the importance of accountability and brought issues of sexual misconduct within the entertainment industry to the forefront.
And, of course, the COVID-19 Pandemic:
February 2020 marked a crucial juncture in the rapid spread of the coronavirus, which had its origins in Wuhan, China, in late 2019. By February, the World Health Organisation (WHO) had declared the outbreak a public health emergency.
Cases surged globally, prompting widespread concern and necessitating preventive measures. Governments and health organisations scrambled to implement strategies to contain the virus, setting the stage for a protracted battle against an unprecedented global health crisis.
The coronavirus pandemic cast a shadow over British companies, triggering disruptions and economic uncertainties. As the virus spread globally, supply chains were strained, and industries faced production delays. Companies reliant on international trade experienced challenges, with travel restrictions impacting business operations and demand fluctuations affecting revenue.
The unprecedented situation compelled many businesses to reassess strategies, adapt to remote work, and confront the economic implications, setting the stage for a prolonged period of adaptation and resilience in the face of the evolving crisis.
Where there’s people, there’s Prolojik…
February 2020 was a Saturday, and so most Prolojik employees were at home embarking on what would turn out to be their penultimate ‘normal’ weekend for a while, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced lockdown measures due to the ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic in only a short couple of weeks.
On March 16th, Johnson said that “now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact and travel”, and just ten days later on March 26th, lockdown measures officially came into force. The British government remained convinced that we would “turn the tide of coronavirus” in just 12 weeks.
Two days later on Monday the 2nd of March, we returned to the office to our usual Monday morning huddle. And the talk was mostly about the upcoming pandemic. Anyone who was there at the time will surely attest to the fact that no one had any idea how big this thing would be, as at the time there were 100,000 infected people worldwide, and in the UK, there were 206 people with Covid-19 and only two deaths.
Unchartered Territory…
Prolojik Founder and Chief Technical Officer, Asela Rodrigo, looks back on the time with a pained smile. “I remember this day four years ago so well”, he says. “Despite it being a Saturday, all business owners were desperately trying to get information on how this might play out. There were talks of a lockdown, but I don’t think anyone believed it would come to that! And don’t forget, of course, that we were still coming to terms with what leaving the EU would mean for us, so we were facing uncharted territory on many fronts.”
“The uncertainty surrounding the virus and the prospect of stringent measures triggered apprehension. As a business owner, I grappled with the impending disruptions to daily operations, supply chains, and overall economic stability.” Asela says. “The idea of navigating uncharted territory, including the possibility of closing our physical premises, furloughing staff and eventually transitioning to remote work, was daunting, to say the least.”
The looming financial impact increased anxiety within all business owners, prompting strategic re-evaluations and contingency planning. Little did any of us know that this period of worry would mark the beginning of an unparalleled era of resilience, adaptability, and innovation for businesses worldwide, including Prolojik.
Asela recalls being on one of the last flights back to the UK from Dublin before the lockdown, where he was working on a project. “There was virtually no one else on the flight, and the airport was empty. And then there were the supermarkets and the rush for toilet roll!”
Getting Back on Track
Now that the pandemic has passed, it is important to note the progress that has been made. Lockdown was a tough period for many businesses, but in the time that has passed since, the effects are still being felt both positively and negatively.
Since the return to work, Prolojk has undergone a transformative journey, emerging not only resilient but stronger than ever. The challenges posed by the pandemic prompted us to reevaluate and adapt our business strategies, leading to a newfound agility and resilience.
Swiftly transitioning to remote work, we embraced digital tools, fostering enhanced communication and collaboration among our team. The experience compelled us to streamline processes, ensuring operational efficiency even in the face of uncertainty.
For example, we launched a CIBSE approved CPD course to support organisations getting back to the office safely, utilising the power of lighting controls. These solutions apply equally to new build and retrofit spaces to quickly and effectively support the following business outcomes.
Moreover, our commitment to employee well-being became paramount, with initiatives to maintain a supportive work culture. This strengthened our team’s morale, contributing to a more cohesive and motivated workforce. The lockdown also accelerated our digital transformation, enabling us to reach and serve our customers in innovative ways.
The flexibility to allow our colleagues to work from home and enjoy a more adaptable home-work life balance was a consequence of the return to work initiatives that the pandemic forced us to adapt to.
Our ability to adapt and innovate shone through as we navigated through the challenges, cementing our resilience. Today, we stand as a testament to the power of adaptability, having not just weathered the storm but harnessed it to propel our company to new heights of strength, resilience, and sustainable growth.
Back to the present day…
In reflecting on life at the last leap year in 2020 vs the present leap year day in 2024, it’s undeniable that the world has undergone a profound shift. Challenges and adaptation have reshaped the once-familiar rhythms of daily existence. Yet, amidst the disruptions, we’ve discovered newfound strengths and resilience.
We’ve had to redefine priorities, foster deeper connections, and embrace innovative ways of living and working. While nostalgia may linger for the simplicity of the past, our collective journey through adversity has forged a stronger, more compassionate society. As we navigate the uncertainties of tomorrow, the lessons learned during this transformative period guide us towards a future that, though different, holds promise and shared humanity.
We are a stronger and happier team for the challenges we faced during 2020.
“I would like us all to stand shoulder to shoulder – metaphorically! Let’s try not to get downhearted, we will get through this, whatever is thrown at us and together we can ensure that tomorrow will be a good day” – Captain Sir Tom Moore speaking in November 2020. Well, said, sir!
