The “new normal” in the field of engineering design”
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Recently, there has been a term that has become particularly popular: \"new normal.\" It is widely used, adopted by foreign leaders as well as local officials; even small business owners who cut salaries and benefits for their employees talk about the new normal. It seems that any state that is different from the past and relatively stable can be considered a new normal. In fact, different fields have different meanings and understandings of the new normal. The decline in the industry caused by a sluggish market has brought a sense of hardship to the field of engineering design; so, what do you consider to be the \"new normal\" in this field? Discussion is welcome.
It feels like there are fewer projects, less work, and it’s harder to make a living
There are fewer projects compared to before, and the evaluation criteria for various aspects have become stricter. In the past, it was sufficient to meet the relevant standards; now, the regulatory authorities focus more on how to avoid taking responsibility through their own management practices, and the requirements for design have become more detailed.
Yes, in the past the regulations were strict; it was sufficient for our designs to meet those regulations. Now they have been changed to resemble foreign standards, and the responsibility lies with the design itself. The pressure is even greater, plus the situation isn’t good. . . Sigh.
Controls on design costs have become stricter; designs that are merely decorative, involve excessive use of materials, are unnecessary, and do not affect the current functional capabilities are now strictly prohibited.
Business volume has shrunk sharply, there is nothing to do at work, and many companies are laying off employees.
This post was last edited by The wise are enlightened on 2015-10-3 11:06. Yes. Performance evaluations, salary cuts, elimination of the lowest performers, along with audits and disciplinary oversight, have left many people in design firms in a state of anxiety. In fact, the harder the times, the more important it is for a company to retain its employees’ loyalty. If it can’t do that, then when circumstances change, trying to expect employees to be loyal is pointless.
What everyone has said is absolutely correct – whether it’s design firms or engineering companies, the volume of work is declining sharply. Most of the projects at hand are those in the final stages of completion. This year is a bit better, as there are still some projects to finish and some income to be generated. But what about next year? And the year after that? As Haiyou said, a company must retain its employees’ loyalty during difficult times; only then can we talk about loyalty to the enterprise. Employees are at their most vulnerable at such times – they need the company’s support on one hand, and at the same time they need to make active contributions to the company in order to demonstrate their loyalty. It is during these critical times that true commitment emerges.
The concept of a new normal is the same as what internet companies say about embracing change: first brainwash people, then make them work hard