It's not really my business what couples decide to do with their weddings but I must say I have great respect and admiration for the 3 young couples in our life this year that went ahead with their weddings despite the limitations. They all had the choice of postponing and waiting for the "maybe someday" big gala they originally planned. Instead they scaled way, way down to meet restrictions and as you say - moved forward. Funny thing though - the couples all seemed giddily happy; the bride's mothers in every case were devastated....Out of all the weddings I've seen and been to, this one was the loveliest and most personal. And I bet out of all of them, these two stand the greatest chance of making it together. Listening to them talk, they had their heads and values in the right places. It wasn't about the wedding. It was about moving forward, continuing to create a life together.
I'm thinking that airlines will almost have to keep the relaxed change fee policies.
I'm hoping that stays! The old system almost is set up to make sick people get on that plane anyhow! (I know there's trip insurance, but cancellation always was a tough call to make, esp. for someone who's a bit out of it, being sick.)It is so nice how easy the airlines are making it right now, just a click and you flight is cancelled and your credit is on your account for when you’re ready to rebook.
I love this answer! I think it'll be more likely for most folk than completely remote work.If colleges can blend classes, companies can also have a blend of work schedules where in-office days and hours are staggered to provide more employee flexibility, and better utilization of expensive workspaces.
I wish! But here (very red state) the traffic seems as bad as ever. It was nice during the short shutdown though.Empty roads and very light traffic.
Empty roads and very light traffic.
My words exactly. My company went to the "open office" concept about a year ago. I have hated it since day one and fought it even before then. They were quick to send us all home knowing what a germ factory it is. We are still being encouraged to work at home (+1) but they have announced there will be no changes to the office other than these silly cards you turn over so the cleaning crew knows you've been there (for those who are going back in - it's a pretty small group). People are now leaving in droves knowing it won't get better, especially managers who used to have real offices.I read this yesterday, but wanted to give it a little thought because for me, it’s less about what I would like to see remain the same and more about changes I would like to see based on what we learned during the pandemic.
Mandatory sick days for all employees is one thing I would like to see. Whether it comes from a federal level, or a state level, everyone needs to be able to call in sick when they are sick. They shouldn’t have to worry about losing their job, or losing income, by doing so. Will it require a doctor note? Maybe, maybe not. Maybe one or two days, no doctor required, but for longer you need one (I have worked places with this policy and there wasn’t a big problem with abuse). I have worked with some martyrs who would come in with a fever, and cough all over everyone, and go home after a couple of hours. I am hoping now that companies have experienced their staff working from home, this will be encouraged as an alternative if there is a task you absolutely must get done whether you are ill or not.
I would like to see companies go back to assigned desks and even cubicles. We were in the process of building out a new office when this hit, and each desk is maybe three feet wide, they are all crowded together, with no extra floor space for social distancing (or even simple personal space). You are just supposed to grab whatever desk is available and work for the day, so the germs of a dozen people could be present every time you sit down, not counting the people all around you. Illnesses used to make the rounds in our office constantly before Covid, and no one cared. We need to care, whether it’s Covid, the flu, or a common cold.
I would like to see a standard requirement for building ventilation so germs can’t collect in stale air indoors. Some office buildings are sealed so tight that the only fresh air coming in is through the front door - if you’re lucky. We know now that this can be very detrimental to our health. This can be done over a period of time, and it may require some financial assistance, but it needs to happen.
As far as what I would like to keep, some social distancing would be good. I would be OK with three feet minimum instead of six once the virus is contained by a vaccine. I would like for masks to remain optional, so that anyone who is concerned about their health is free to wear one. There are always people who are more vulnerable than others, and if wearing a mask makes them feel safe, they should be able to do so. I would like to see restaurants thin the tables a bit, but keep take out orders available (even if they didn’t offer take out before). I have dined in restaurants a few times since June, and it was nice not to worry about bumping into other patrons just pulling out your chair to sit, or having to turn sideways to walk between tables. The world seemed to have gone to a pack them in like sardines attitude prior to the virus. It was uncomfortable and unenjoyable. Let’s give us a little space to breathe.
Expanded remote work and virtual learning options for people who want them.
The end of strict sick day policies in workplaces and schools.
Greater telemedicine options and being able to wait in my car prior to in-person appointments.
Curbside everything. Put the beer in the trunk, give my kid his vaccines in the car seat, and grab the cat from the passenger’s side for his vet appointment. I’ll just be sitting here scrolling through my phone, enjoying my new VIP status in life.
Not having to answer the door for deliveries. Put the pizza on the stoop and go. We don’t need to bring human interaction into this.
I agree with the tighter restrictions on visitors at hospitals. I just said to my husband the other night that I would love to be having a baby right now because of the limited visitors at the hospital. I do not understand why everyone thinks they need to rush to the hospital to see the mom and new baby within hours of the birth and then staying for hours. All I wanted to do was sleep but there seemed to be a constant parade of visitors coming to my room and my hospital didn't really enforce any kind of visiting hours in the postpartum unit. The limited visitors and tighter restrictions sound heavenly to me!
I also hope that restaurants continue to offer curbside pick up. I know a lot of chain restaurants (Applebees, Chili's, Red Robins, etc.) have done that for years but I'm enjoying that option at local restaurants and some high-end restaurants.
I'm surprised that several people have said they hope the telemedicine/virtual doctor appointments continue. My husband and adult kids have been using that type of service for at least 2 years already (I prefer to see my doctor in person). I just assumed that was available everywhere.
I also hope that people will continue to wear masks during flu season or when they have any type of respiratory illness. I've always kept hand sanitizer and wipes in the car to use after we'd be touching things in a store or wherever, but I hope businesses continue to have hand sanitizer stations readily available.