What Good Has Come from The Coronavirus Pandemic? Here’s What You Said

Is it just me or have the last two months felt like two years?

We are certainly experiencing some unique and trying times. And when things get challenging it’s often hard to look past what’s in front of you and focus on the positives and benefits of a situation. But it’s important to do so. Not only for your own health but for those around you as well.

A few weeks ago, we encouraged YOU—our followers—to do just that. We asked for your insights about the good you have seen come out of the coronavirus pandemic. Concentrating on what’s positive isn’t necessarily easy to do when you have to consider all the changes and adjustments we’ve experienced, especially new guidelines that were quickly implemented around working and schooling from home and rules about social distancing.

But you came through. Here’s what we discovered.

Families Are Bonding

Not surprisingly a majority of what you said focused on connecting with family. Of course, a lot of the bonding had to do with forced time together! Having to adapt to working from home or suddenly finding yourself in the role of your child’s second-grade teacher hasn’t been easy. But it’s amazing to see parents and kids quickly making adjustments to make it work effectively. You found appreciation through these moments as some of your responses included:

• “Love the extra time with my family”
• “My wife is working from home, so I see her more often than I used to”
• “Great family time and I actually get to eat dinner with them”

Family dinners and just generally spending quality time with each other has been invaluable and high on the list. So is cooking together and going for walks around the neighborhood. And there are many puzzles being done and game nights happening (“The whole family is playing a board game at least twice a week”)!

You Are Reconnecting

Many of you pointed out how you’ve taken this time to reconnect with people you hadn’t spoken with in years. From past colleagues to old friends and even extended family you’re participating in text threads and video chats and reestablishing relationships with those both far and near. And it’s even happening right in your own household: “Before these events my daughter was starting to get very attached to my wife… as a result of me being at home all day now, my daughter and I have reconnected and are inseparable.”

Perspective Has Changed

Most agree that recent experiences have caused people to take a pause and slow down. What was of high importance yesterday may not still be the priority of today. As you said: “Time has slowed and priorities have shifted.” And along with this also comes a mindset shift as we are all adjusting to a “new normal.” Our daily lives have changed, and your outlook and approach each day makes a big impact. “The current Coronavirus situation is not something anybody wanted, so we have to make the most of what we’ve been dealt, while staying positive and trying to be flexible and understanding of everyone’s current challenges.” Seeking out the positives can help! You demonstrated through your responses that your state of mind really can help you find the good in unfortunate and unexpected situations.

Compassion Is Up

This was shown each night at 7pm when you stepped outside to make noise to specifically thank and celebrate first responders and those on the front lines of the pandemic. As you stated there’s been a “significant increase in empathy and support” and “people are so much more understanding.” It’s more acceptable to show vulnerability these days because you feel psychologically safe sharing your emotions. There’s been an increase in patience and helping one another and an overall feeling and expression of gratitude. People are more appreciative of the simple things they always took for granted.

Communities Are Collaborating

As people are being more generous and compassionate, you’re also coming together more as communities. Volunteerism is up. There are “increased connections with neighbors” because you’re interacting more, all while practicing social distancing of course. Through this sense of community people who never asked for help before are not afraid to request assistance, meals are getting delivered to those who can’t go out, and overall creativity levels have skyrocketed! You’re being innovative through drive-by birthday and graduation celebrations and teacher convoys. And let’s not forget local businesses—there’s been such a huge community outreach and collaboration in helping to keep companies going when you’re not really sure what tomorrow may bring.     

You All Zoom

“People are getting out of their comfort zones i.e. having to embrace technology.” If you hadn’t heard of or used Zoom before you probably have by now! Or have participated in a Skype or FaceTime call or another type of video conference. You most likely have also attended at least one virtual birthday party. Whether for a business meeting or keeping up with colleagues or having a chat with your cousin you’ve adjusted and are finding effective ways to maintain relationships through online resources. You are using LinkedIn and other social channels to network and foster your active connections. Even forwarding funny memes or fun TikTok videos is helping you keep in touch! As you said, “This has reminded me that technology and social media should be used to connect and engage.”

You’re Job Searching

Some are taking this time to properly focus on your job search and update your resume and LinkedIn profile. A couple of you even saw this as a great chance to enhance your career and find a mentor. And many others are expanding their knowledge by taking advantage of enrolling in online courses (click here to see what we have to offer!) and listening to podcasts (click here to listen to ours!).

You’re Doing Activities

The pandemic has given you a deeper appreciation for nature and the outdoors. Even Mother Nature has seen the effects: the air and water are now extraordinarily cleaner in some places. Your “kids are playing more outside than they ever had before” and you’re taking “long walks outside, enjoying fresh air… both solo and with family.” But you’re spending it indoors as well and cooking new dishes or meals you hadn’t prepared in years, catching up on reading and sleeping, and watching Netflix (Ozarks or Tiger King, anyone?). You are adjusting to new workout routines and spending time on your hobbies.

Relationships Are Key

If you hadn’t picked up on it by now, most of your responses centered around relationships. But are you surprised?  We’ve experienced many challenges through the coronavirus pandemic but it’s our relationships and feelings of connectedness—even as we’re separated—that will ultimately help us through it.

As we’re currently starting to re-open in phases and strategize on what’s to come, and while companies consider new work from home standards and operating procedures, let’s not forget the good that has come from the past few months. You said it best: “The worst of times brings out the best in people. The relationships and acts of service, forged during this shared hardship, will be treasured for years to come.” Just remember to wash your hands.