Covid-19 has certainly made everything and everyone in this world look at things differently.
It has helped communities come together and neighbours, maybe even getting to know people they never knew before and helping them out. I think we have all had time to look at our lives and see the good, the bad or the indifference.
One of the most inspiring things is how our key-workers have stepped forward and how much they are recognised for their contribution to this crisis. That includes NHS and all those who have volunteered, but also everyone else, no matter what job they do is important and helps the country. Even people self-isolating are playing their part by helping the country come out of this situation, hopefully sooner rather than later. Everyone should be proud of what they have done to ‘contribute’ to help us get out of this strange place we currently find ourselves in.
Another good thing is the environment has benefitted from some of the changes we have had to make. There are certainly more birds in my garden and I even saw a Stork the other day when out walking my dog. It landed on a fence nearby, but unfortunately I wasn’t quick enough to get a photo before it flew away! Countries have seen more animals making an appearance in towns and cities, like goats in Llandudno, ducks leading their little ones across Roehampton Way, London last month and the Police trying to direct them 🤣 Coyotes in San Francisco and many more cities all over the world invaded with other animals. Hopefully this will be a reminder to all that we should preserve our environment, take care if it and of course love animals.
One thing that has significantly changed for a lot of people is working from home. Hence one of the benefits for the environment whether you travel by car, public transport or worldwide for business meetings. A lot of people have found use of the new technology that is out there, some that they never even knew existed and there are several choices for video conferencing, meetings etc.
My daughter is a dance teacher and is even doing lessons by video link, which the students enjoy and value immensely during this difficult time.
Maybe now is the time for everyone to sit back and ask what can I change to benefit my work/life balance, to spend more time with the family and friends or even more ‘me’ time.
Travelling to business meetings, is that really necessary? The company would also save on expenses! Do I need to travel into the office every day, could I work from home some days? Is it essential to be on-site every day? Think of the money you would save on travel! I’m sure many people are working from home currently due to Covid-19 and find it is possible.
I have worked mainly from home since 2009 full-time, so it’s second nature to me. Although there is always something new to learn, especially when it comes to technology as it evolves so quickly. Having said that, I tend to learn any new software fairly quickly and work my way around it with relative ease. I remember being told once by a computer programmer “just tell it what you want it to do and don’t be afraid of breaking it”
Many people are very new to this concept and maybe not everyone welcomes it. I know people sometimes think what about the phones, filing, diary management, contact with people, you must be in an office on-site to make it work.
This present situation though has shown it’s not absolutely necessary. Phones can still be answered, emails replied to, documents can be saved and available to people, diaries can be managed and shared remotely and conference calling is easily accessed. The technology is there, maybe it has made more people realise it is possible to work and give support from home and it is relatively easy to do. Whatever problems may arise, there is usually always a solution that can be found. Nothing is impossible!
On top of that it saves time commuting to and from work or even travelling for business meetings. Working from home is so much less stressful and could better for everyone. I know you may miss out on the company of people, but it may give you more time to socialise with family and friends. Also you can still keep in contact with colleagues regularly with video conferencing etc.
Maybe it’s the time to change. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Maybe it’s time to re-evaluate your life and how much you can improve it. I think everyone has something to learn from this experience we are currently living in. So if you need any help, advice or PA/secretarial support whether temporary, permanent or ad-hoc please don’t hesitate to contact me. I am happy to help either as a one-off, occasionally, or all the time and even give free advice if required.
Take care everyone and stay safe.
Cathy