The Realty+ ‘Stay Home, Work Safe’ Series

No sooner had the revolution towards flexible working spaces begun, when the COVID-19 crisis forced everyone to swap their office cubicles for makeshift home offices! It is human nature to preserve and endure, and the drive to still create and still contribute, no matter what the circumstances, is more evident than ever now. Realty+ has been curious to know how our industry leaders and professionals are staying productive while staying safe at home. We also wanted to bring to light the important measures a number of realty companies are implementing to extend a supportive hand during this challenging time. For Dr. Ananta Singh Raghuvanshi, Senior Executive Director, Experion Developers, the priority is planning ahead and being prepared. She says, “we are staying in touch with our teams regularly. Planning ahead for when this crisis is over and a reassessment of goals, along with cost optimisation wherever possible are points of focus.” Harsh Vardhan Patodia, President Elect CREDAI & CMD, Unimark Group, too, emphasises the need for assessing and reviewing. “I am assessing the impact of the disruption of this situation. I’m also staying updated by reading and engaging in some online study on various subjects.” As for how the realty sector is managing the crisis as a whole, Dr. Raghuvanshi says, “Realty has always been driven by human resources and is sensitive to the needs of their employees, buyers, residents and channel partners. We’re all doing our best!” How is the realty industry feeling the impact of this situation, and how does it move forward once the fog clears? “The current lockdown situation due to the global pandemic is the rarest and unusual situation we have found ourselves in. The assessment and impact of this will be seen across businesses, sectors, and geographies in the times to come, real estate being no exception. With the ongoing curfew, a vacuum has been created for business activity. We foresee, people, planning and realigning their financial goals, asset creation and family priorities which will soon be reflected in real estate sales,” says Dr. Raghuvanshi, “In this crucial hour, our singular focus is to comply and follow all the directives of the government in the larger interest of public safety. As an organization, we stand committed towards solidarity in fighting this pandemic.” Mr. Patodia believes it’s a time for the real estate sector to come together. “The realty industry must come forward to support all workers at sites by providing food and daily needs apart from self isolating them. Going forward, the industry can also plan ways by which speedy construction at sites can be implemented to minimise delays in project delivery.” This crisis of global proportions, while distancing us socially, has handed everyone the opportunity to take a closer look inward. Dr. Raghuvanshi’s observations on her own self-isolation moments is a wonderful example of this. She says, “Personally, I’m ensuring that I follow a daily routine, which includes spending precious time with family! I’m also utilising the luxury of time to provide the maximum comfort to them and at the same time focus on self development by practicing hobbies like reading, writing, singing and dancing. There’s indescribable satisfaction that arises from doing mundane chores to perfection like cooking, organising, spring cleaning, making donation boxes, laundry, gardening, pleasant and peaceful conversations with old relationships, enriching hobbies, and cultivating new knowledge and skills!”