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The Pandemic really did change everything – Mary T. O’Sullivan
by Mary T. O’Sullivan, contributing writer on business leadership
“Gyms, pets and takeout: How the pandemic has shifted daily life.” – The Washington Post
The 2020 pandemic has ended. Vaccinations protect almost all Americans now. But the trauma of the COVID-19 plague hasn’t completely left us. The impact on our lives continues to force adjustments, some we like, others, we don’t. Shuttered restaurants, deserted concert halls and theaters, and some retailers like Bed, Bath, and Beyond are gone forever as we knew them. The good news is that we’ve found love and companionship in our newly acquired pets. Pet adoptions skyrocketed during those lonely months of isolation. And now you’ll find hand sanitizer anywhere. Also, the controversy still rages regarding hybrid, remote, and Return to Office (RTO) work.
The change in high contact businesses and events presented itself starkly this weekend when I sought a place to practice social dancing. Prior to the pandemic public social dances proliferated throughout the area just about each evening of the week. Every style of dance was listed from line dancing to Argentine Tango. Since my husband and I restarted social dancing lessons, we sought a place to practice. There once were numerous choices in halls and other public venues around the state. This Saturday night, only one popped up on the usually crowded list of places to go. The realization hit me like a slap in the face. The pandemic had taken its toll on the fun activity of social dancing.
The reality of a beloved hobby, so restricted, was a blow to anyone wishing their return to a “normal” life. It was painfully apparent that work wasn’t the only place where the pandemic shook society’s foundations. For months, people stayed inside, avoided crowds, and telecommuted. What could we expect when re-engaging in activities that were formerly common?
And now that more high-end restaurants are offering take out, including cocktails, many people have continued the habit of staying in. Why go out and expose yourself when you can enjoy the same food and drink in the comfort of your own home? Travel has bounced back, but on a recent trip on a transatlantic crossing on the Queen Mary 2, both my husband and I contracted COVID. We spent our two days in London isolated in the hotel room, keeping the windows open, allowing the euphonious chimes of Big Ben to drift in. We caught a 10-second glimpse of Buckingham Palace as our limo flew by on our way to the airport.
While travelers need to be cautious, back at home, still the work debate storms on. The pandemic changed work forever, however, many CEOs object to work from home or even hybrid models. The RTO demands of organizations cause additional stress on workers and some are just quitting, going out on their own, or deciding to stay at home with children instead of enduring a tedious commute, childcare and learning struggles, and getting a healthy dinner on the table at a reasonable hour.
Meanwhile other industries have transformed completely, Telemedicine has flourished with therapists, doctors, and other medical professionals, diagnosing and treating from afar. And, according to McKinsey, the world of e-commerce has grown two to five times faster than before the pandemic. Online banking and streaming TV services are also among the industries experiencing exponential growth as a benefit of trends established during the pandemic. People are rediscovering the social advantages of gyms, where hygiene is emphasized, but working out with a friend is back. Yoga studios are open again, but with restricted numbers in classes. Mat marks delineate where yogis claim their places., and overcrowding is not permitted. The ever-present air sanitizers help prevent contagion, and overhead fans whir throughout the class.
So, are we back to “normal” yet? I say, look around you and pay attention. You’ll find that we are not. Major changes in people’s lifestyles are now the norm, from doctor’s visits to personal favorite hobbies, and of course, work. Duke University cites that, “according to a Gallup poll, 53 percent of U.S. adults don’t expect their life to ever be the same as it was before the pandemic”. I count myself as one of them.
Adjust we must because the pandemic of 2020 has left an indelible mark on us all.
“As the pandemic’s difficult early days fade, other changes will likely endure, such as a willingness to connect in new ways, reassess careers, or build lives with more flexibility”- Duke University
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Connect with Mary:
Read all Mary’s columns here: https://rinewstoday.com/mary-t-osullivan-msol-pcc-shrm-scp/
Mary T. O’Sullivan, Master of Science, Organizational Leadership, International Coaching Federation Professional Certified Coach, Society of Human Resource Management, “Senior Certified Professional. Graduate Certificate in Executive and Professional Career Coaching, University of Texas at Dallas. Member, Beta Gamma Sigma, the International Honor Society. Advanced Studies in Education from Montclair University, SUNY Oswego and Syracuse University. Mary is also a certified Six Sigma Specialist, Contract Specialist, IPT Leader and holds a Certificate in Essentials of Human Resource Management from SHRM.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marytosullivan/
www.encoreexecutivecoaching.com