What have the last 5 weeks taught Us?
When there’s not a lot to do, apart from rest (talking about myself), the mind goes into overdrive and Covid-19 has given us a huge amount to think about. When the good times are in abundance, no one really gives it a second thought but it’s crisis, tragedy, anguish, pain that truly bring us together. I read somewhere at the beginning of the pandemic that the virus does not discriminate. Yes that’s true, however, not everyone is in a position of privilege, and some have been more affected than others.
Lessons Learnt
Kindness, Compassion, Empathy, Purity of Heart prevails over everything. We have witnessed human nature, at it’s very best. Volunteers, fundraisers, support for key-workers, the vulnerable and those in need, acts of kindness, all far outweigh any negativity.
The Human Connection is vitally important, crucial for everyone’s mental health, no matter how it’s done - chatting over the fence, through a window, from a distance in the garden, over Skype or FaceTime. At a time like this, technology has served a purpose none of previously understood.
Health and Welfare are key. With the focus on the health systems across the globe being under scrutiny, each individual needs to understand the importance of the mind and body. Statistics show that not everyone who has contracted Covid-19 is elderly with pre-existing health issues, now more than ever we focus on our well-being.
Preparedness in times of difficulty is not always possible. Whilst watching how the pandemic unfolded across the World, no one actually had any idea of what the consequences would be. From SMEs to Blue Chip companies, putting the wheels in motion for “Change Management” required was not that simple. Parents, carers, guardians took over where teachers left off with a baptism of fire introduction to Home Schooling. The Government introduced emergency legislation in the blink of an eye in order to protect the population and those working on the front line. Schools, colleges, universities & students of all ages coming to terms with the premature end of an academic year, and for those still in school, the novelty of “Home Schooling”. Bill Gates “TED Talks” illustrated just how the world’s Government have underestimated the need to be ready “Just in Case”……
From the physical to digital – The restrictions on travel have dramatically shaken up the structure of the economy. Being forced to work from home during the pandemic has lead to a steep increase in people interacting digitally - is this the path that we will continue to follow.
Taking the Simplest of things for granted. Birthdays, christenings, weddings, parties were postponed or cancelled. Online dinners, quiz & games nights along with virtual celebrations became the norm. Revisiting the importance of well-being and mental health for everyone has been bought to the fore. From reading to music to watching our favourite films to learning a new skill, or rediscovering an old one, time for all of us, has been something of a luxury. 164 hours in a week with no commute - what a difference that has made.
Remembering this has not been easy for everyone. Key workers, the vulnerable, those in the caring profession, the homeless, people struggling with mental health issues, people who are still working albeit from home - for many millions of people, the last 5 weeks have been traumatic. It is often those in lower paid jobs who keep the infrastructure of a country going.
We have been able to adapt & change our behaviour - We have not lost our freedom, we have had to restrict our liberty. We have taken note of the “hand washing”, “social distancing’, “restrictions on movement” to ensure that we and others, stay safe & well.
It’s a Collective Crisis - the first since the Second World War but it’s not a “Forever Situation” but ….. this “New Normal” will have a lasting impact in consumer behaviour and social norms – we will re-evaluate the way we relate to our families, neighbours and communities. Will handshakes, hugging, kiss on the cheek … be a thing of the past? Will we travel extensively, criss crossing the globe for adventure or will we stay at home? Will we be able to adapt to the involvement in our daily lives of Government? What will the “Future New Normal” look like? Will we support the organisations that have benefited from this crisis because as we know one person’s misery, is another person’s opportunity and for Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Zoom, Skype, pretty much any savvy tech company, E-commerce payment systems, online supermarket delivery, gaming & streaming platforms, to list but a few, have all fared well.
Post Covid-19
As we watch Government’s relax the imposed lockdown in their prospective countries, we wait to anxiously see what the future holds for us. Of course it will be different - but worse or better than before only time will tell.
Susie Crolla - Managing Director