Time seems to have taken on a different element in 2020 – what I call COVID-Time. In addition to time-sheets, billable hours, time-logs, and regular clock-time, 2020 has brought people of all ages the concept of two-week intervals for decision-making; a sense of days running into each other while working from home and losing our daily-routines that told us what day we were living; and the daily experience of worrying about loved ones, co-workers, and friends which warps our sense of time.
Some days I feel like a whole year has passed in just one day. Other times I’ve lost track of which day of the week the calendar says it is. Still other days seem like normal – a normal passage of time, of work productivity, and of daily experiences. Many of you may be experiencing this too – it’s our new normal.
- Planning for business and academic accomplishments has taken on a two-week cycle of questioning what we will be able to do and how.
- Full-time and full-speed and workload capacity is happening for some businesses. Workers are staying so busy they feel tired, yet grateful for the work.
- Part-time sometimes reduced to laid-off status is fewer hours than pre-COVID-Time. Yet, some companies such as grocery stores are actively seeking part-time workers to meet shopping demands.
- Furloughed, laid-off, and time-reduced employees are living in yet another COVID-Time, wondering how the present and future will be met and handled.
Time. Einstein suggested that time and space are not as constant as we typically experience. COVID-Time seems to reinforce this and to call for our adaptability and flexibility.
ZOOM-Time is a by-product of COVID-Time. Many non-manufacturing and non-retail jobs now require hours each day in ZOOM type meetings. Yes, great tool for ongoing connection. Even with its limitations virtual, in-person video calls are keeping people work connected and socially connected. The iterative possibilities that arise when meeting face-to-face are greatly diminished when meeting via technology – yet, it is better than not meeting at all. Remember to get up, walk around, stretch, and stay hydrated! These self-care activities are more important than ever and only take five to ten minutes an hour!
How are you and your work team managing time?
How are you managing time in all parts of your life?
Are you experiencing balance and productivity or imbalance and pain?
Take time and action to find balance and productivity, to stay healthy (mentally and physically), and to stay connected with your support network!
Invitation from Jana: Your meetings – online and in person – are your most important tool for achieving team successes. If you’re ready to take strategic steps toward managing meetings and results as effectively as possible, we’d love to talk with you about partnering.
Workplace – the Blog: Managing the moments of our day-to-day business lives takes work. Together, let’s explore what issues and activities affect us every day (or some days) that we go to work.