On May 5^th, close to 100 ULI Washington members joined a virtual panel sponsored by a collaboration between NEXT and WLI. The panel came from the idea that everyone is experiencing different challenges whether one lives alone, with roommates, in a couple, have young kids, school age kids, grown kids, empty nesters, or are caring for family members and any other version of living in these strange new times.  In addition, there are so many unknowns in the world, and in the real estate industry, that we are facing that can cause added stress.

The group of panelists, who represent leaders in our industry who face different personal and corporate challenges and opportunities, included Julie Smith, CAO of the Bozzuto Group, Corey Powell, COO Dantes Partners, Liz Wainger, President of Wainger Group and was moderated by Alisa Rosenberg, Mid Atlantic Partner- Vice President, Fore Property.

Alisa Rosenberg led the group through various questions focused on changes in routine, strategies to manage teams remotely, to look at the future of what the workplace looks like. The panelists noted that we need to all have empathy and understanding for each other because everyone’s lives have changed and there are more distractions or different priorities now. Flexibility needs to be assumed now.

In addition, Julie Smith and Liz Wainger discussed how we will measure productivity going forward. Productivity used to be measured by showing up to the office but now we need to look at what we’re trying to accomplish and what product are looking to complete. Also, it is important to know what one’s role is in the process of completing those tasks. Communication is more important than ever in the virtual workplace. It is important to know how employees want to be contacted and leaders must be clear and concise in what they are asking for from their employees.

Corey Powell focused on that people have short memories and many may try to go to pre-covid conditions. The all-mighty dollar speaks, however, so employers will have to recognize they may not need to spend as much money on how people work. We can be productive if we’re not all in the same place at the same time.

The panelists provided great takeaways to the attendees that we hope they will use in their homes and workplaces going forward.  The panelists ended by talking about what they will do differently when we return. Most of the panelists focused on changing their schedules, not attending as many events as they used, and spending more time at home.  Liz Wainger describes our future as a dynamic normal going forward. Then the attendees broke out into individual networking rooms where the panelists, NEXT and WLI members and ULI staff led discussions. Various decisions focused on participants experiences and how they think things will change going forward. Many attendees hope to focus more on their personal lives after this. The situation has showed that we can make more time for that. Communication is really key right now and we cannot be productive without talking. New technologies have made this easier and hope that this continues.

Click HERE for a recording of this webinar on Knowledge Finder.