When managing our investments, we may secure the gains and growth by selling stocks when they are at a peak. In the heated North American residential real estate market, many owners are selling their homes to “get the money out” that they put into their homes, to recoup the costs of home improvements, as well as the original purchase price. (Whether this will benefit them overall is debatable and not the topic for this article.)

As the US has reopened, the UK approaches a mid-July reset, and some Canadian provinces are removing restrictions, I am observing an interesting phenomenon – some melancholy for what will be lost as we move ahead. There is considerable jubilation as people remove masks or anticipate doing so, as the arts schedule a return to the stage, and most of all, as people arrange visits with family members and friends after a lengthy drought. But there is almost a nostalgia for some of the gains made during the pandemic.

It is important to state that this applies to those of us fortunate to work from our homes, albeit sometimes in less-than-ideal circumstances, who did not have to face the risks and fears of working on the front line, in hospitals, retail stores, or transportation services and others.

What Are Some Identified Gains?

More discretionary time. Without a daily commute and the interruptions experienced in an office environment, hours have been added back to people’s days. Some have chosen to extend their workday, others have added a mid-day walk, others have welcomed the opportunity to commence dinner prep an hour earlier than they could in the past.

Fewer social commitments. Whether in sales, operations, marketing, or running a company, participating in business/social events is an expectation. Face-to-face interaction with industry colleagues or clients and on-site visits to the field or facilities is essential to relationship building and employee engagement. Awards dinners and conferences often filled our calendars. While most of us have missed the in-person interactions, few are anxious to return to thrice a week social business commitments.

Exercise, particularly outdoors. While supply issues have contributed to the shortage of e-bikes, bicycles, kayaks, boats, camping gear, etc., it has also been the demand. With the decrease in business travel, many executives are not as drained at the end of the work week. Working indoors has also recaptured our thirst for time outside. This combination has contributed to an increase in healthy activity.

Hobbies. It will be fun to see what hobbies will remain. Jigsaw puzzles saw a huge surge. Baking, cooking, painting, reading, handicrafts, learning a new language, viral TikTok videos…it will vary by individual, but it will be interesting to see what we hold on to and what was a passing interest.

Supporting our vulnerable populations. There are examples of long-term care facilities with few cases of COVID and excellent protocols. Unfortunately, they are the exception, rather than the norm. There were a plethora of COVID outbreaks in hospitals, often in cardiac wards. It was not easy to rapidly vaccinate and support homeless and indigenous populations. I applaud the heroes who worked tirelessly to support our most vulnerable. We owe it to them and to the marginalized, to do better. I believe we can.

Appreciation for science. Effective vaccines were developed at an unprecedented pace. While some debate still abounds (and will continue to), the fact is, the vaccines have saved lives and have been instrumental in bending the curve. Great strides have been made in other diseases, e.g., malaria. I hope that most of our countries will recognize, support and fund continued research, innovation, and clinical trials.

Perspective on what is most important. Health – our own, and that of friends and family. Many have recognized that there is a relatively small number of people who fill our souls, who make us laugh, and who understand us at the deepest level. Those are the individuals that we want to see (and in many cases have not). When people are facing death due to a terminal illness, their circles of interaction become smaller and smaller. First, they say “goodbye” to the outermost circle, typically business colleagues. Then they say goodbye to their acquaintances and many of their friends. Eventually, their attention turns to the immediate world, hopefully with some beauty such as a park outside the window, flowers on the table, or a favourite coffee mug. They also want to preserve their precious and limited energy for those they are closest to, so that they can engage with them in the time remaining. I have seen a similar process through the lockdowns and the pandemic. With much of the superfluous activity carved away, people are relishing the inner circle of friends, family, and joyful activities.

We faced many challenges during the pandemic and the accompanying lockdowns and restrictions. We are not out of the woods yet, and many countries are still facing great hardship. The acute phase will end for all.

How will you crystallize your gains? Not only for yourself but also for your employees and colleagues?

During these challenging times, we need each other. Reach out to discuss how I may support your success. Contact me today.

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© 2021 Lorraine A. Moore. All rights reserved. Permission granted to excerpt or reprint with attribution.