COVID-19 Pandemic: A Blessing in disguise?

By Vishesh Srivastava

The COVID-19 pandemic may have lessened in many parts of the world, but the fact is that it is still far from over. A social crisis, which still evokes feelings such as fear, anxiety, and a lack of existential security, the COVID-19 pandemic has also forced us to ponder on work, career, social relations, and lifestyle with a new perspective. Every cloud has a silver lining - and it’s true that even the current pandemic cloud has its positive aspects. Here are the positive impacts of Covid-19 pandemic that we must look forward to.

We are now practicing better hygiene
Being hygienic is no longer just a good habit, but the most basic yet powerful tools you need for survival. People are now aware of how important it is to practice hygiene. Washing hands regularly, wearing the mask and using disinfectant will not only protect us from the corona virus but also from many other illnesses, such as gastroenteritis, cold and flu. We’re going



to follow these lifestyle changes to practice better hygiene even after the COVID-19 pandemic ends.

The world of work may change forever
Employers and even the employees across the globe have realized that work from home can work in the majority of the roles. A rise in (successful) remote working culture may motivate employers to simply allow certain employees to work at home at their own discretion. Fortunately, personal technology and digital connectivity had advanced before the pandemic hit our lives and we could switch to work from home arrangement so far and so fast that now we are probably shifting to a "work-from-anywhere" future.

In the coming years many more companies will allow employees to work from home. The companies have also realized that they can save on the expenditures on their office establishments. By allowing more people to work from home, companies will save on rent, electricity, water and related expenses.

Digital education is the new normal now
One of the biggest changes brought by the pandemic is the use of virtual classrooms to deliver lessons. Education now is digitized and affordable too. Online classes have become the new norm and in the future more and more educational institutions (especially those who impart vocational training or offer post graduation specialization courses). Institutions (like companies) will also save on the infrastructural costs and as a result, learning will become more affordable to the students as well.

We understood the importance of relationships
There has been a huge impact on the way we emote and maintain relationships with our family, friends, and nature. We have found ways to stay connected with people (and also to reconnect with our loved ones), even if it’s virtually. The pandemic has also provided an opportunity to rethink one’s life priorities, appreciate freedom and respect the environment.

Let’s look forward and focus on the brighter side
As history has shown, choices made during crises can shape the world for decades to come. The world after the COVID-19 must be more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.