Four years later: How Covid has changed us

You’d think we’d know how to use the mute button by now, yet somehow, someone always yells, “You’re on mute!!” whenever we try to get our one-word contribution into the team convo. Classic.

Of those who have a remote job, a survey by Flex Jobs found that 51% prefer WFH, while 46% prefer a hybrid situation. One reason for the almost-even split? 

• According to HubSpot’s 2023 Hybrid Work Report, 66% of people expressed a lack of strong connections with their coworkers. And we hear you! Walking up to a coworker’s desk > waiting three hours for them to respond via Slack.

Some need in-person interaction to feel connected, while others prefer WFH for the fact they’re able to get more done, and not just at work.

Some reasons we’re fans of working from bed home?

• Using our lunch break for appointments (or power naps) 
• Taking a trip to the fridge every 20 minutes for a little treat
• Getting a morning workout in instead of commuting
• Immediately throwing our white shirt in the wash after spilling coffee on it at 9:02 am

If there’s any silver lining we can take away from the pandemic, it’s the spotlight it’s given on mental health. 

As the initial “14 days to slow the spread” quickly turned into months of isolation and probably one too many virtual happy hours (if we’re being honest), people’s mental health took a turn for the worst.

According to the Mayo Clinic, some issues induced by the pandemic include:

• Anxiety
• Fear
• Depression
• Insomnia

But while many experienced a dip in their mental health, they started to talk about it more, and the less taboo it became. 

Many companies recognized employees were struggling, and they actually listened (gasp!) by:

1) Providing mental health resources
2) Encouraging self-care (mental health days, health and wellness stipends, etc.)

In fact, a recent study shows that 55% of Millennials and Gen Z have been to therapy, and 39% are planning to go this year. Meanwhile, 90% of Gen Z and Millennials think more Americans should go to therapy. We’re not NOT looking at you, Boomers. :)

Gone are the days we’re scared to miss an ~important~ email if we step out for some fresh air; in are the “BOOKED & BUSY” blocks on our cals for afternoon strolls. We love to see it!

The loss of so many lives and the shutdown of the world forced us to slow our roll and stop to think about what really matters. Two main things that come to mind?

Careers: An Indeed survey of people who voluntarily left their jobs since March 2020 found that 92% said the pandemic made them realize life’s too short to stay in a job they aren’t passionate about.

Relationships: While isolation caused some shake-ups and breakups, a Pew Research study shows that 33% of Americans actually found positive experiences of reconnection with family and friends.