Well, folks, here in Florida we’re locking in and getting adjusted to this socially distanced lifestyle amidst the Coronavirus pandemic. Luckily we’re still able to move somewhat freely, unlike California and New York where 100% of the workforce is expected to work from home unless deemed essential. Nevertheless, “remote work” is becoming the norm for a lot of us. While it may seem inconvenient or dreary, we may be able to cultivate lasting and useful lessons from our collective experience.
For starters, we’re finding out that all those time-wasting meetings we suspected could’ve been conveyed through e-mail, are indeed saving us time now that remote access has done away with in person meetings almost entirely. Though meetings still have their place in virtual video chat rooms, app development and website companies with these capabilities are now actually thriving in our current environment and for good reason. We can carry on with our business from the comfort (or discomfort) of our homes. Save for the few co-workers who haven’t yet figured out how to dress for the virtual occasions, we have quickly adapted already available technology to our newly found needs. If proven effective and efficient (read, productive), we may further integrate these tools and habits into our work life going forward in the post-coronavirus world.
Psychologically, adapting to a sedentary home-work lifestyle can exacerbate stress, anxiety, restlessness and the like. We may value our recently lost freedom to leave home for work a bit more throughout this learning process, but in occupying our time at home with work and spring cleaning and exercise, we may find the ease of our situation stimulating, and the comfort of having our own workspace to inspire creativity. Leaving our commercial real estate ridden with empty buildings during this time poses its own problems, and still businesses will trudge ahead to the best of their ability.
We can’t entirely predict what’s to come, but take your time to adjust to the tools and technology we have at our disposal because they’ve become essential. Take your time to make your home a safe, comfortable and productive space so as to improve or reform your new standard of living. Finally, we don’t often have the opportunity to reflect on ourselves and our regimen. As it has become essential to redevelop our daily routines, take your time and care to mold your new pattern of living with a keen eye, because in our socially isolated homes we have more power – and responsibility – over our self-discipline and the way we choose to keep stock of ourselves than ever before.
See you on the (virtual) trail!
Lisa
LMA Newsletter of 3-30-20
