COVID-19 has brought about changes for all of us. Whether it is changes in how or where we work, or to how we socialise – COVID has been felt by all. This article starts to explore the many ways COVID has changed our behaviour as people, and to what extent some of these changes may be permanent.
Plans seemingly are only ever ‘pencilled in’
Most of us have had some form of social activity disrupted by COVID-19. Whether it is a summer holiday, a festival, football match or some other event, it is likely COVID has impacted it. More recently with things opening back up, it has been contact from the NHS track and trace app which has sent many into isolation, likely cancelling social plans along the way. The changes in our behaviour have seen many people accepting that plans are now not as certain as they once were, and whilst society adapts to live with COVID, our social plans do too. Fortunately, technology has been a great bastion of hope in the fight against COVID, with vaccines at the forefront of our emergence from the pandemic. Technology has also seen video-calls become the norm.
Many people now prefer working from home
Early on in the pandemic, the UK government directed everyone to work from home. For many this was the first time in their career that they’d done so and therefore was something akin to stepping into the unknown. 18 months on, many people have developed a fondness for working in this manner. It has afforded some a better work-life balance, or perhaps simply saved them money on their daily commute. As we look forward to what the future holds, it seems certain that many organisations will continue with an element of home-working as people adapt to the new, new normal.
Is this the end of hand-shakes and hugs?
Scientists and behavioural psychologists speculate that close physical contact between friends and colleagues may have changed for good. The pandemic response, including the need for social distancing has seen the demise of hand-shaking and hugs. As we move toward an existence where the strictest COVID measures are seemingly in the past, it is thought that the way we greet one another has, for many, likely changed for good.
If you would like to learn more about ‘How COVID has changed behaviours’ then please join our webinar on Tuesday 17th August 2021 at 12pm using the details below –
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3034925188336909326
If you wish to contact the Care first telephone counselling and information line then please don’t hesitate to call the Freephone number provided by your organisation and you can speak to a professional in confidence.