Where are we - two years later?

In April 2020, I wrote an article titled A Catalyst for Change. This catalyst was the global pandemic we all know as COVID-19. We all experienced tremendous and immediate change during this period, including pivoting to a virtual environment, working and learning from home, embracing new technology, and building new skills to manage in this new world.

So where are we now? Thanks to the wonders of science, a vaccine and testing are widely available, allowing us to return to work, school, and life as “normal.”

I asked the question two years ago, what will we do differently when this is all over? What changes will stick?

Over these past two years, we have gotten used to and more comfortable working from home. The pivot to a hybrid work environment and returning to the office has brought new challenges but also hope and excitement. Many people I talk to are worried about returning to work. We’re now used to the time afforded us not commuting, being available for our families, and having time for a workout. There is anxiety about going back to the office, seeing people in person without masks, and giving up that balance. I know because I have felt it too. Although I have enjoyed seeing my coworkers, I have also felt awkward meeting someone in person for the first time.

At iCIMS we have rallied to bring people together in our offices on Wednesdays. I look forward to One iCIMS Wednesday, where we create a sense of community. I missed that. There is a different focus on those days, not purely about productivity but a focus on human interaction, building relationships, and having conversations. We are incorporating giving back to our community and having FUN!?We recently celebrated some of our key wins by sliming our sales leaders, Nickelodeon style.

In 2020 we all became accustomed to Zoom meetings, jumping from one meeting to the next in seconds. Now we’re learning again. Transitioning to hybrid work requires leaving time to travel and getting acclimated to the Zoom Room to accommodate those in the conference room and our remote colleagues. That’s a challenge for all of us, but if anything, we’ve learned these past two years that we’re more adaptable than we thought.

One change I am excited to see stick is the switch to technology-enabled conveniences. I love that we can order ahead at a restaurant, buy what we need for pickup or delivery, and check in online for an appointment. Maybe it is the lean practitioner in me that hates to wait!

Most importantly I love that we have embraced stronger humanity. I feel coming out of the pandemic we are more sensitive to personal needs at work than before. It is commonplace to take the time needed to tend to family or self. We have more of an appreciation for differing circumstances and are more accommodating. Empathy is more important than ever. I have continued the tradition of taking a mid-day walk to clear my head and love to hear about what is going on personally with my team.

So where does that leave us now? Are we more equipped to change quickly, or is change still hard? I’d love to hear your perspective.

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