How will work change? What COVID-19 habits will persist, and which routines will we drop?
How will people interact with each other after social distancing?
As Mental Coach I'm very curious to see how people, habits and social interactions and the communal life will change in the coming weeks and months. Nobody knows which traces and consequences COVID-19 will leave behind. I'm sure there will be changes for the better, reduction and focusing on what is really essential in life, a deeper sense of solidarity and humanity. On the other hand we will also face economic challenges that require creativity and a certain amount of rethinking. The future is all but certain, and we know that the only constant in life is change. But what we already know or can predict is the following:
1. Digitalization is here to stay!
Everyone is online, no matter if you are 10 or 80 years old. No matter if you work from home or do you your workout or after work drink gathering online, people become familiar with online tools. Finally, we have woken up to use technology to work from home and it can be very productive, once you've figured out how to structure your day in an effective way. It may not be the same as offline connection, but it is a helpful and sometimes very efficient way to meet.
2. Different challenges
The work burden goes from high pressure and increased workload to empty calendars, a mini holiday during lockdown to job losses. This will change people and may provoke a deep sense of unfairness in society.
3. Mental health is suffering
Anxiety and stress levels have increased due to high workload, home schooling, loss of purpose, isolation, loneliness and financial insecurity. We see an increase of people reporting sleep issues, having difficulties controlling moods, feeling drained and overwhelmed. To be able to bring the focus inward in order to keep the outside at a distance, is a super power. Mental health should now be on everyone's agenda, meditation sessions, mental training and individual coaching support occupies an important place in everyday life and will be an indispensable essential for a healthy society.
4. Great companies are born in bad economies, and great leaders are forged in crisis.
In times of uncertainty, strong and resilient leaders are required. Emotional intelligence plays a very important role. Strong leaders need to display empathic people leadership, creativity, determination, solidarity, strength, shared purpose and humanity. Inspire your team and be a role model, motivated and healthy employees are the key to corporate success.
What other changes will we be facing? Nobody really knows, as it is very dependent on many unforeseeable developments. The journey into the unknown has only just begun.
When will we be able to travel again, how long will we see people wearing protective masks, will there be a second infection wave?
2020 will be a challenging year for all of us, but we know, we mainly grow with challenges, and become healthier and happier versions of ourselves.
The process might be tough and sometimes painful, but mankind has already survived many crisis. In my opinion the most important thing is to focus on your values and needs, tolerance and empathy will be very important qualities, and even if it is not always easy to surf the wave of life, stay positive and enjoy every day. If you have the feeling that this is the right moment to overcome your personal challenges, coaching could support you and will allow you to reach your goals much faster.