Post-Pandemic Possibilities That Will Make a Difference

May 14

Someone once told me that it takes a crisis for a culture to change.

Niccolo Machiavelli most likely kick-started that idea when he wrote, “One change always leaves the way open for the establishment of others.”

This global pandemic is definitely a major crisis and our reactions to it have covered a range of the good, the bad and the indifferent.

While I am acutely aware of the bad (as referenced in my last blog post) and the indifferent, I remain curious about the opportunities that we have to change our culture for the good. Keeping our eyes on such possibilities is also a healthier approach to life, I might add.

Here are a few of the possibilities that will make a difference -- think of these as headlines that you might want to consider further and in more detail for both our personal lives, our communities, businesses and governing bodies as well as education and research:

Personal

We will know how to wash our hands effectively
We will use other means to push any buttons or surfaces
We will be less likely to touch our face unless with washed hands
We will know the importance of staying home when we begin to feel any flu-like symptoms
We will have improved virtual communication tools and knowledge about how to use them
We will have experienced an increased emotional state and we will take steps to build up our resiliency and increase our self-awareness
We will know more about what is truly important for our lives -- our safety, food, supplies, family, friends, our community and our country
We will be enjoying a cleaner, more organized environment at home -- reducing friction, as James Clear describes in Atomic Habits (a highly recommended book)
We will take steps to slow down our pace of life
We will appreciate the value of cleaner air and improved views with decreased air pollution
We now know what “exponential” means and how to read graphs

Community

We will now have a shared experience with a shared language -- something that holds us together
We will have greater compassion for one another and appreciation for those who had to keep working during the pandemic
We will now have greater appreciation for the organizers, societies and cultural centres that give us greater purpose and a sense of community
“We can create better, more resilient connected communities...” (1)

Businesses & Governing Bodies

Increased health professional capacity will be created to support at-risk populations
Teachers and daycare workers will receive salary increases
Business and government bodies will move to more flexible working arrangements that reduce employee stress and cut costs due to health benefit costs, reduced travel and space rental
Businesses and governing bodies will refine their online presence and service offerings
Businesses will refine or now make their emergency and continuity plans
Mental health will be recognized as essential support and health professionals and coaches will be busy building resiliency and support programs that are woven into our daily lives
Improved communication protocols
The reinvigoration of and investments in Made in Canada products and supplies
Businesses will become more flexible in their offerings to support future pandemics
Businesses will move to the tap payment system
Automatic door openers will become more prevalent

Education & Research

Increased research and teaching collaborations will continue and thrive
Universities will expand their student population through online offerings and will learn more about effective and enhanced online tools
Increased research funding for areas related to pandemics

While grieving for the losses, we must continue to explore what opportunities do exist.

What other opportunities can you identify?

PS. You might also be interested in seeing my collection of COVID-19 in Vancouver photos.

Resources