How COVID-19 Put an End to Glamorizing the Grind

From the outside,Alexandria Gilleos career looked luxe.

Once the sun went down, shed rush across the city to attend product launch events for some networking.

At the time, I really enjoyed it, says the 31-year-old.

I was really addicted to the grind, hustle, and glamorization.

Fast forward to March 2020.

That time was profound for me.

Could this be the end of glamorizing the grind?

A Shift in Values

Workers lives changed radically early on in the pandemic.

More than 22 million jobs were lost between January and April 2020, according to the Congressional Research Service.

Among those still employed, front-line workers put their health at risk providing essential services.

Plus, the closures of day cares and schools presented working parents with a host of new challenges.

On a broad scale, this shift in values became particularly apparent in early-to-mid 2021.

It was also a time to finallyreconnect with friendsand loved ones after many months of isolation.

There was a renewed hope for everyone.

For many, it was an eye-opening time of figuring out whatreallymatteredand work became less of a priority.

I bought myself a gratitude journal and joined a workout program.

I definitely feel Im more compassionate with myself now, she says.

Many employers are also taking measures to address burn-out, which has been on the rise during the pandemic.

Some corporations are scheduling yoga and mindfulness sessions throughout work hours.

It also allowed working parents to be there for their kids and help them adjust to remote learning.

Those are among the obstacles that some companies are trying to address through creative new policies.

As one example, some organizations are trying a four-day workweek, says Dust.

This ensures that people can get a quick psychological recovery and reduce Zoom fatigue, which impacts cognitive functioning.

He adds that some organizations have also established blocks of time during the workweek when no meetings are allowed.

I now find a stronger and more meaningful connection with my employees and freelance contractors.

We are all people and desire these conversations and to have the opportunity to let loose.

I now find a stronger and more meaningful connection with my employees and freelance contractors.

We are all people and desire these conversations and to have the opportunity to let loose.

Whether or not these positive changes are here for the long-term remains to be seen.

Both workers and employers alike are feeling a tension to get back to normal.

Thats not to say people will stop working.

Work doesnt have to be go-go-go so you can feel purpose, happy, and bring success.

Congressional Research Service.Unemployment rates during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gallup.The great resignation is really the great discontent.

Indeed.Employee burnout report: COVID-19s impact and 3 strategies to curb it.

Bloomberg.Employees are quitting instead of giving up working from home.