Coronavirus has changed life as we know it and the new normal has brought in a set of expectations both personally and professionally.
We are amid a global pandemic, and yes, these are troubling times. This pandemic will eventually re-define the future, how we look at things, behave, and act. There were research and reports on the need for digital transformation for organization and news of how organizations are jumping on the digital transformation bandwagon to tide over the Covid19 pandemic, but this is my story of human transformation.
The New Beginning
I became a father on March 19, 2020. Being a father has been such a life-changing experience. To hold an infant in my hands and take care of her. After her mother, who was in a semi-conscious state from the effect of anesthesia, I am the first person to see her, hold her, and the first-ever person to plant the first kiss on her forehead—such a surreal experience.
Things though, started changing at a very rapid pace. The Prime Minister of India, Sri Narendra Modi, on March 21, announced the lockdown of the entire country on March 22 for a day.
The New Normal
Since the trail lockdown on March 22 and complete lockdown in India from March 23, which extended till lockdown 5.0, life is now part of the new normal. The new normal is now part of the new transition from ‘Work from Office’ to ‘Work from Home.’
The changes that this pandemic has bought might as well define the way we work, communicate, and live our lives. The new normal has brought along with it new challenges. These are the early times of rolling out of hastily prepared work from home policy. Companies are scrambling to provide devices to associates to meet the needs of associates’ working from home.
Amongst all these, there are new learnings. Companies are now focusing on the mental well being of the associates. In my team, my reporting manager Swami has initiated organizing a weekly no work call. The call is to interact with associates on how the week has been on the personal front. The kid’s associates can also be part of the conference call, and associates can share their anecdotes and experiences. There is also a weekly health challenge going on. The health challenge for this week is to do the plank for the maximum time.
This pandemic will eventually pass. Slowly and steadily, we all will get shaped into a life where the new norm will only be an accepted form and become a large part of our lives. The learnings that being with family is so much fun, that we can take a stroll or a nap in during our workday and that nature can also heal if given time will dictate how we manage and cope with our lives.
Also Read: Scientists claim Coronavirus is airborne, ask WHO to revise recommendations
About the Author:
Anshuman Dutta is an engineer by default, marketer by opportunity, seeker of knowledge by choice. He believes that enlightenment so far has been a myth, who is amazed at the pace with which technology is galloping. Just like a ‘jajabor’ (wanderer) Anshuman trusts that the journey will one day lead to culmination of micro moments of truth and happiness. @Anshumandutta
