By Brenda Robinson

COVID-19 has changed so much of what we know as “going to work” day to day. We now go to work with different perspectives, different expectations, different approaches and different priorities.

How are some of these differences manifesting themselves in our day-to-day work? What is happening to create these changes?

The whole idea of shared information has changed. The meaning of transparency is enhanced and extended. There has never been a time in our world when so much information has been provided so often. Our leadership provides daily updates. The media brings us specific, dedicated numbers and measures daily. We have local, regional, national and international news to support comparison, contrast and the comprehensive understanding of the issue. This has created an expectation and even a demand for more information, clear explanation and the willingness to answer questions with facts and details.

Our perspectives on dealing with each other have also been challenged. We are in a time when we are encouraged over and over again to “be kind to each other”. This may indeed lead to a more compassionate and caring work environment. Is it because “we are all in this together” or is it because we are truly recognizing the importance of empathy and understanding? This may indeed help us be more patient and considerate. We may actually put our assumptions aside and engage with more with people to understand how we can work together for positive results. This change in perspective will certainly impact customer service, interpersonal interactions and teamwork.

Our work environments are being challenged by the need for social isolation, the drive for safer workplaces. This is also impacting the need to innovate and change to meet new expectation. People are adopting virtual platforms for meetings and interactions and even for shared information. Unlike teleconferences where we can only hear each other, these platforms allow us to hear, see and experience the interaction. When people make these changes the “mantra” may well be we won’t go back to some of our familiar settings. We will take this opportunity to innovate in the face of pandemic and carry our learnings forward.

Some thought has been given to the idea that the innovations and change will actually open the door for more innovation and change. Indeed, when we begin to welcome new ideas and approaches, we become change skilled. This reduces resistance, reluctance and hesitation to embrace change. This could be a true paradigm shift.

Shared information, transparency, increased and enhanced interaction, more compassion and understanding and a welcoming attitude for innovation and change. Will that be our new normal?

When the priority is change and innovation, we will move ahead in different and even better ways.