How to take care of an organization’s continuous improvement initiative in a COVID-19 world?

For over six weeks now, we’ve all been living through a massive shift, moving from the familiar buzz of collocated offices to the quiet, sometimes chaotic, world of remote work. For those of us in software and service delivery, one of the biggest hurdles isn’t just learning how to work from home; it’s ensuring our commitment to continuous improvement doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.

Honestly, that’s the part that worries me most. As we all try to find our footing in this new normal, it’s so easy for continuous improvement to slip down the priority list. We’re busy just trying to keep the work moving, juggling home distractions, and staying motivated. The tedious aspects of continuous improvement, such as metrics and process reviews, as well as those regular “how do we get better?” conversations, can feel overwhelming, especially when life is already demanding. Sometimes, it feels like asking kids to choose brussels sprouts over fries.

If we let those habits slide, we could be setting ourselves up for a rough landing when things do go back to “normal.” There’s a real risk that, after months away, coming back to the office or re-adjusting to old routines will feel like another shock to the system. Productivity and quality might take a hit, not because people aren’t trying, but because the muscle of continuous improvement got a little rusty.

The foundation of any improvement effort is good data and honest reflection. If we stop tracking the right metrics—especially those details that aren’t automated and require a human touch —we might find ourselves with big gaps to fill later. And catching up on weeks or months of missing data is nobody’s idea of fun.

So, what do we do? We adapt. We keep those continuous improvement meetings on the calendar, but we now make them work for us. Turn on the video, not just the audio—it’s amazing how much you can pick up from seeing your teammates’ faces. Sure, digital whiteboards and sticky notes might not be as satisfying as the real thing, but they get the job done. The important part is to keep talking, keep brainstorming, and keep moving forward—however imperfectly.

Let’s be real: this is hard. It’s not going to look or feel the same as it did before 2020, and that’s okay. What we’re learning right now—how to collaborate at a distance, how to keep improving even when it’s tough—will make us stronger in the long run. We’re building new muscles, finding new ways to lead, support one another, and grow as a team.

I truly believe that sticking with continuous improvement, even when it’s inconvenient, is what will get us through this stronger. We’ll emerge from this with teams that are more resilient, more creative, and more connected—teams that know how to work together, craft solutions, provide value, envision the future, affirm one another, and lead, no matter where we are.