It wasn't too long ago we lived in a different world. It was new, it was strange, it was something we never experienced before. It was pandemic. Unfortunately, we lost many because of Covid. Those were indeed the sad times. It showed how unprepared we were. I am not sure if we are prepared now. I am not even sure about how it started and what caused. Was the virus developed in the lab and a lab accident happened it, it just happened through some unknown natural phenomenon. Anyway, those days are gone. We have been back to normal for a couple of years now. One of the negatives after pandemic has been the crazy inflation, and we are still facing the consequences. We also have developed new habits in personal lives and professional settings. Really good habits. That is what I would like to talk about today.
Due to the pandemic we have experienced massive lay offs, stay home rules, limited travels, businesses shutting down. This time created an opportunity for many to reevaluate their lives, rethink about their careers, and ponder upon things that matter the most. We have come to realization that time spent with friends and family is precious, we have come to realizing that we have many different career and employment options, and don't have to settle what has been working in the years before.
People attitude to work has changed. Some found a new freedom of working as independent contractors, and gig economy has become a bigger part of overall economies. Today even though there are many regular employment options, some people choose to work independently for themselves and having full control of their schedules. Some utilize app based companies like Uber, Lyft, Amazon deliveries, etc. Some become small business owners and run AirBNBs and other services. Recently I have learnt that there are multiple temporary jobs apps as well. People can sign up and choose various temporary jobs as they would like and the times they prefer, and they get paid faster than working a regular job.
Some people choose to learn new skills and knowledge during pandemic with ambitions of changing careers and were able to do so. Even those who went back to their old work places, came to realization that they can ask for more pay, they can negotiate better work conditions, and they can go for promotions, all while keeping all options open and understanding there are many more opportunities in the world. And it is not the end of the world to lose a job, or leave one. After all many of these didn't even hesitate to lay off their long term dedicated employees when pandemic started. There were companies who operated at loss but committed to take care of their employees during pandemic. They kept the employed, or provided financial assistance. But most didn't. Because they don't care. It is just business, it just about money. But when things were going well, all leaders in all of these companies continuously motivated their employees praising how important they are. But they all were empty speeches, and lies. Most of them don't care and don't really have control over how things go. Especially when pandemic happens. No business, no money, can't pay. I guess it's ok.
It is also ok for people to get their own priorities right. There will always be jobs, there will always be opportunities. We don't have to rely on one. Now this new found realization changed how people think about their jobs. This doesn't make them less productive, or make them care less. No, it just means that we understand that work is the most important thing in life. It may be one of the important things. So, people found new meaning in spending more time with family and friends, spending more time on things like the most. It is a great thing. It facilitates healthy relationships, it empowers creativity, and makes society and businesses operate in a more meaningful way.
Businesses have changed how they operate as well. Remote and hybrid type of works became a norm. Even those businesses that never experimented with remote or hybrid work before, embraced them. Used to be only certain types of works allowed their employees work remote, but now almost all businesses offer such options if the position doesn't require the employee to be present on site. Those who can't offer remote option, offer hybrid options, where employees can work 2-3 days a week remote from home, and 2-3 days at the workplace. Both employees and businesses have come to realization that remote work is as productive if not more. In some areas this may actually be more efficient and cost saving.
What makes remote work possible is of course the technology and tools we have. Today we have the best of the computers, super fast internet services, and apps like Teams and Zoom that help with online meetings and collaborations. There is no shortage of tools to make this process productive, effective and efficient. These tools are not only used for video conferencing. They became default tools for all kinds of communications, document sharing and collaborations. Some companies even got rid of their landline phones and chose to move to phone lines on Teams which can be used anywhere. These tools are keep getting better, and continue improving.
Even in workplaces online meetings became a preferred way of conferencing and collaborating with teams and employees. Conference rooms are rarely used. People schedule Teams and/or Zoom meetings instead. This more convenient for everybody and actually makes collaboration more productive. People don't have to waste time walking to/from conference rooms, they can be ready in their offices, at their desks in no time for the online meetings where they have all the things they need work related. Even more team members can join these meetings, since the meetings are not limited to the space available. Even teams from other branches, other locations, other countries can join the meetings with ease and conduct businesses in a new better fashion.
These are just some of the new positive habits we have developed during pandemic, which turns out to be super useful. I am sure there are many more new habits we today that we didn't have before. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.