From Roller Skating to Return-to-Office: Musings on the Pandemic Four Years On

Last weekend, as we celebrated my daughter turning 15 surrounded by the laughter and joy of a house full of kids, I couldn't help but reflect on the journey we've undertaken since her 11th birthday—a time when the world was just beginning to grapple with the impact of COVID-19. Four years on, and during an impromptu conversation on the ride to school the other day, it became an opportune moment to contemplate the legacy of the pandemic and the ways our lives have changed since then.

In March 2020, as my daughter turned 11, we were still navigating the uncertain terrain of a world rocked by a rapidly spreading virus. Despite the looming threat, we decided to proceed with her birthday celebration, a small roller skating outing with friends. While a fun time was had by all, underneath the surface there was an unmistakable sense of unease. Masks and hand sanitizer had started to become commonplace, and the beginnings of social distancing were beginning to take root. Little did we know, this would be just the beginning of a journey that would profoundly alter the course of our lives.

My daughter was in the midst of her first year of middle school in 2020 so naturally one of the most significant changes wrought by COVID-19 for our family has been in the realm of education. With schools forced to shut down or transition to remote learning, millions of students around the world were thrust into a new reality of online classes and virtual instruction.??

However, four years later, and in the midst of my daughter’s first bout of COVID, we’ve observed that the physical infrastructure of schools in general have seen limited long term adaptation in response to the pandemic. Despite the experimentation with remote learning and hybrid models during the pandemic, many schools have reverted to traditional face-to-face instruction. The allure of in-person interactions, hands-on learning experiences, and the socialization opportunities provided by physical classrooms has proven difficult to replicate in virtual environments. As a result, educators have embraced the familiarity and routine of traditional schooling, eschewing the flexibility afforded by remote learning for the perceived benefits of in-person instruction.??

And while some schools invested in technology and facilities to support remote and hybrid learning as part of their ongoing approach, many others have not made substantial changes to their physical spaces. Classrooms and facilities remain largely unchanged, failing to leverage innovations in design and technology to create more flexible and engaging learning environments.

For me, the world of work has also undergone a profound transformation in the wake of the pandemic. Remote work, once seen as a luxury afforded to a select few of which prior to 2020 I was not one of, became the norm for millions of employees around the world. As organizations scrambled to adapt to the challenges posed by the pandemic, many implemented flexible work policies that allowed employees to work from home. Companies that had previously been hesitant to embrace remote work were forced to reconsider their policies to ensure business continuity.? At the time, these benefits along with greater productivity, significant cost savings, reduced carbon footprint, among others were touted.

In the immediate aftermath of the crisis, the seismic shift towards remote work seemed poised to revolutionize traditional work paradigms. However, as we find ourselves in a post-pandemic era, it's evident that the pendulum has swung back, with many aspects of the work landscape reverting to familiar patterns.

One of the most notable aspects of this reversion is the resurgence of strict return-to-office policies enforced by many organizations. Despite the widespread adoption of remote work during the height of the pandemic, a growing number of companies have mandated a full return to in-person work, often with limited flexibility or accommodation for remote arrangements. The allure of face-to-face collaboration, spontaneous interactions, and a sense of camaraderie in a shared workspace has proven compelling for employers, leading to a revival of traditional office culture.

Moreover, the urgency and adaptability that characterized the pandemic era have waned in the years since its onset. While remote work showcased its efficacy and resilience in navigating unprecedented challenges, concerns about productivity, team cohesion, and corporate culture have prompted a retreat to established norms and structures. The pull of traditional work environments and the desire for a sense of belonging within the organization have reinforced the preference for in-person work arrangements, leading to a reversion to pre-pandemic practices.

For our family, the ways in which we gather and travel underwent a significant transformation in the wake of COVID-19.? Smaller gatherings were replaced by Zoom calls, socially distanced backyard gatherings, virtual game nights and driveway drivebys.? Larger ones such as birthdays, holidays, reunions, weddings and funerals were scaled back or canceled altogether.? Travel was curtailed by border closures, quarantine requirements, and fears of contracting or spreading the virus. The uncertainty and anxiety surrounding the pandemic led many of us to prioritize safety over socialization and adventure.? While these changes led to a negative impact on our mental health and social isolation and loneliness due to a disruption of our social connections, it allowed for some of us to spend more time with our loved ones, offer a dedicated period of reflection and personal growth, and even encouraged us to spend time outdoors and reconnect with nature.

Four years later, people are once again venturing out into the world, eager to explore new destinations, reunite with loved ones, and create lasting memories. Airports are bustling, hotels are booked to capacity, and tourist attractions are teeming with visitors, signaling a return to pre-pandemic levels of travel activity.

However, there are notable differences that reflect the enduring impact of the pandemic on our lives.? We are more conscientious about implementing safety protocols such as mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and physical distancing to minimize the risk of exposure.? Families are prioritizing quality time and shared experiences.? In my own family, I start almost every day with a notification on our family group text exchange celebrating birthdays, holidays or even that it’s almost Friday.? Technology has impacted the way we connect with family members, blurring the lines between virtual and physical experiences.

As we reflect on the legacy of COVID-19 four years on, it's clear that while life has returned to a semblance of normalcy – for better or worse – the impact of the pandemic continues to reverberate through every aspect of our lives. From education and work to family gatherings and travel, the world has been irrevocably changed by COVID-19, leaving us to navigate a new reality filled with both challenges and opportunities.

Additional Reading Recommendations?

Check out this article on the New York Times on their reflections on the fourth anniversary of the pandemic.

Learn more about the long term impact of COVID-19 to the restaurant industry on The Week.

Stay well,

Kimberly

Did you enjoy reading this newsletter as much as I enjoyed writing it? Share with a friend or CLICK HERE to subscribe.