What have we learned from lockdown?
There’s no doubt that this year's events and pandemic have taken a huge toll on all of us, mentally, financially and economically, however there are plenty of lessons learnt that will allow us to improve ways of working, our lifestyles and our personal wellbeing going forward.
Not for one minute am I suggesting the lockdown was a positive experience however I am a believer in looking for the positives in every situation and I cannot deny the lockdown has helped us learn several lessons.
Technology is the future
For many years we have often heard clients say that we are not set up to work from home or have the infrastructure to support this. As a result of the pandemic it has accelerated the need for businesses to change their infrastructure and modernise their approach!
Technology has enabled us to stay connected and allowed us to communicate with our friends, families and colleagues through some challenging times. Video calling and virtual meetings are now the norm and working from home is no longer viewed with trepidation and fear from Senior Management. If there is one thing we can take from the last few months it is that our employees can be trusted to perform effectively from home and that the working world has changed forever.
Flexibility is here to stay
How many of us have had the discussion with colleagues around flexible hours and working days? My guess, would be a considerable high amount! Well moving forward flexible working will no longer be ‘sold’ by companies as an additional benefit but will just be the norm for employees. No longer will individuals feel compelled to be at their desk 8.30am - 5.30pm but they will be empowered to manage their working day around other commitments and the focus will be on meeting key deliverables rather than time spent at a laptop!
Time is precious
Lockdown has meant life has changed to a slower pace. Gone are the days where our diaries are filled with meetings and social events and long commutes being squashed on tubes or trains. Personally, I am saving 4 hours per day not commuting to the office and I certainly have seen the benefits. Whilst I miss seeing my colleagues, I am using the time I am saving to take extra rest, spend with my family or exercise. I am ‘switched off’ from work at a good time to allow me to enjoy my evening without the rush-hour commute.
Lockdown has given us the space to reflect on the effects our busy working live has on our personal life and re-establish our priorities leading to some permanent, constructive changes.
Home is no longer a “pit stop”!
"Don’t be like race car drivers and treat home like a pit stop” HBR Review. Before 2020, home for most people was unfortunately treated as a fueling station, a space to eat and sleep before heading out to work again and facing the early morning commute. Lockdown, and this pandemic has allowed all of us to treat our homes as more of a sanctuary, people are now spending more quality time together with their families and loved ones.
Putting our health first
According to YouGov, Covid-19 has resulted in 300,000 people giving up smoking, and has led to a further 550,000 trying to quit. The hashtag #QuitForCOVID has circled around Twitter in order to warn of the higher risks and severity of coronavirus on smokers.
Personally, with the daily commutes, and the aforementioned ‘pit stops’, unconsciously I had been taking my health for granted through eating at ridiculous times and having little exercise. Throughout the last few months though, exercise has suddenly become a “no-brainer” and far easier to fit into my daily plan. I cannot use the ‘I don’t have time’ excuse anymore and on a personal level, I have seen the benefits through weight loss, feeling healthier and my individual mental wellbeing.
What other benefits have you taken from lockdown? I’d be keen to hear your thoughts on how you’ve utilised your extra time this year. Please give me a call on 020 7269 6349 or email tom.eagle@pro-finance.co.uk
