We were all thrown a curveball earlier this year, and as security professionals we remained calm, demonstrated leadership/ownership, and helped get our companies to where we are today: operational in a semi-state of lockdown with no clear path or time frame out of this environment. We, as security leaders, are still constantly talking about operating in the current state of “crisis mode” and what the future – or the “new normal” might look like; but I urge leaders in our industry to think a bit about the shorter-term. We need to anticipate what is coming down the pike now - and not just focus on “getting back to normal.”

ISMA is publishing this op-ed from an anonymous member representing a multi-national company in the manufacturing sector.

The events of the last 3 months have undoubtedly affected and changed life for most of us. COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on families and has been a wrecking ball for businesses and countries alike; supply chains broken, health services stretched to the limit, businesses mothballed and employees furloughed.There will come a time when we emerge from this chrysalis state. There will be a time when we will return to our offices, resume business and recover from this global event. Possibly not returning in the same manner as we did before, but we will ‘rise’ again. In doing so, we will adapt new ways of working, revise existing strategies, and embrace new technologies all the while ensuring that the health and well being of our employees and customers are paramount.