We’re into Alert Level 3, and for many businesses that is the first step on the pathway to getting their businesses fully functioning again. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel!
But as we move to a new normal, I think it’s important to reflect on an important lesson we’ve learnt from COVID-19.
As I wrote in an earlier blog post, this pandemic has made us question how and why we do things as a business, and its opened the door to innovation and creativity that we may not have otherwise explored.
But more important than that, I think its humanised us.
We’ve seen into each other’s homes; into each other’s lives.
We’ve been on zoom with kids, pets, partners and mess.
We’ve engaged outside the Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm, whilst we’ve juggled homeschooling, exercise, and kids’ naps.
This way of working has given us the opportunity to learn more about our colleagues, clients and customers than we would’ve ever had the opportunity to learn if we’d remained in the four walls of the workplace.
And from this, I think we’ve all learnt to have a greater appreciation of the ‘whole’ person. Work is one aspect of a person’s life, and considering individuals on a holistic level is critical to getting the best out of those you engage with.
The transition back to the new normal will come with challenges. Change is hard for many, and there’s a degree of mental fatigue that comes with adapting to change.
And that’s why, this valuable lesson from COVID-19 can’t be lost.
We need to be committed to bringing the conversations back to this time, when we were fortunate enough to peak into the lives of those we work alongside, and remember the value that comes from connecting on a holistic level.
Let’s not forget that.