After several weeks of confinement and social isolation, it is fair to say that there are many mixed reactions to the easing of restrictions.
Now that it is time to venture more outdoors, some people are eager for the freedom to get out and about, catch up with family and friends, visit their familiar places, bars, clubs and restaurants, enjoy music in live and relax a bit. shopping. They may have a job or business that they need to focus on and get back on track.
There is pressure to resume trading in the post-crown world as quickly and efficiently as possible from day one. But what will that look like? Will customers be drawn onto a high street initially full of restrictions? of one-way systems, queuing to get in, not browsing or testing things?
Understandably, many people are cautious. They are nervous because the virus is still out there and has not fully run its course or is waiting to resurface. They may feel vulnerable and insecure about whether it is okay to return to work, visit places freely. Shopping online has become the norm for many people, many of whom will continue to use it, feeling that it is safer and is also a great way to save on travel time, while eliminating the temptation to spend money on purchases. Random items made when purchasing from the store. .
Some will have lost their job or business, or will only be able to return to work part-time and will need to quickly find another route to earn money. Are you starting a new business, looking for another job? What is the best way to go?
How do we start venturing outdoors after so long indoors, separated from normal life, locked up and isolated?
– Many of us will venture outdoors with revised priorities, much more grateful for our health, family, and friends rather than any desire to return to working long hours or traveling miles. We may be less focused on money and status. Leaving our homes will be more about reconnecting with relationships, spending time with family and friends, enjoying nature, appreciating cleaner air, reducing congestion, and a modified pace of life.
– A 2020 survey commissioned by bottled water company Evian found that 70% of Britons expressed a desire to live a greener life as a result of the blockade and had become more aware of its impact on the planet. They wanted to fly less, reduce their carbon footprint, generate less waste, work more from home and be respectful in their behavior.
– Consequently, many people will keep their lock discoveries; baking, spending more time outdoors, still doing your weekly grocery shopping online. Online may have become a convenient way to make routine purchases. Some will have found excellent providers of goods or services and a preferable way of managing their time.
– Outdoor walks and bike rides have become increasingly popular, either to share with family groups or to enjoy alone during a break. Finding local beauty spots and trails close to their homes has been an unexpected pleasure, and many intend to continue to support their health with regular outdoor exercise and designated personal time.
– Over 50% of UK shoppers have expressed increased awareness of the need to shop locally and support local farmers, traders and artisans after such a devastating year. Many independent local bars, cafes, restaurants, lounges and merchants have been unable to work or have had to seriously modify their offering, threatening their future existence. Customers must return to the main streets or risk them becoming empty ghost towns.
– From a work perspective, now is the time to find a balance between working, running an online business, and the requirement for more personal face-to-face interactions. Virtual meetings and networking via skpe or zoom have their place, but are exhausting when conducted too frequently, involve little eye contact or personal connection, and require high levels of concentration when multiple people are involved. They eliminate spontaneity and the opportunity to build individual relationships.
– Installing an office from home can be a valuable investment for specific tasks, as it allows people to work on their own hours, gives them time to adjust to other areas of their lives, supports the needs of both staff and the company to as everyone finds their new normal. Eventually, face-to-face meetings, trainings and seminars can be arranged in co-working areas, hotels or socially over coffee or lunch.
– For some, if not all job requirements, going home might be the way to go. Certainly, as people return from leave, there may not be enough to fill them full-time and a part-time option may not justify a trip to the office, with all the safety and social distancing considerations. Some tasks can now be considered nonessential and cut out entirely.
– While many companies have found that moving more online is very lucrative, others rely on commitment and personal presence; hospitality, beauty salons, hairdressers, concerts are just a few examples. And of those companies that have adapted successfully for the duration of the pandemic, such as online delivery or advisory services, they may now find that as demand readjusts, they need to review their staffing levels and supply chains. Some with suspended staff may never be able to pick up where they left off, with various estimates predicting that up to 10 million employees could lose their jobs after the crown.
So now that it is time to venture outside, it will initially require us to stay alert and understand that there is a lot of recovery time ahead. Sensitivity, patience, and taking one day at a time are important in managing the early stages of this new era.