5 LESSONS THAT 2020 TAUGHT US

Let’s be honest, 2020 all-round was a rollercoaster ride of emotions and catastrophes. Sure, there were some good moments, however, the 12 months began with the Australian bush-fires and a global-outcry of support to save the animals and homes lost to the disaster. Shortly after came the news of a virus originating in Wuhan, China that was putting people in hospital faster than you could say ‘2020 isn’t off to a great start.’

So, with numerous lockdowns, tier systems, confusing communication from the government who scrambled to get their act together and save the NHS, the economy, people’s jobs and more, 2020 is a year no one will forget.

It’s now the New Year and there was hope that 2021 would be a fresh start, a chance to wipe the slate clean and make the most of opportunities that 2020 had quashed for us. Yet, here we are still none-the-wiser or closer to reaching our now beloved ‘normality’.

However, as we enter into the next chapter, we’re now smarter and savvier going into the third lockdown, compared to the first time around last March. 2020 has taught us quite a bit really. Not that we’d like to admit that there were many silver linings to that big dark rain-cloud.

So, what are the key lessons that 2020 taught us?

One | Gratitude. In the Kensington office, the time away from work and our peers made us realise how grateful we all are to be able to wake up and still come to work, throwing our all into a job we genuinely love and appreciate. Without a purpose, life can seem a little chaotic and overwhelming. Working keeps your mind busy and ideas flowing. Something we all truly appreciate going into 2021.

Two | Materialism. We don’t need as much as we think we do. Material things aren’t anywhere near as important as loved ones, friends and those around you who offer daily support. Time away from family and social groups, made us realise how emotional support really is a key contributor to happiness and mental well-being. Zoom calls will never replace the human-to-human contact we all need. However, we’re now all video-call ninjas and know exactly what to expect from a digital-perspective this year.

Three | Adaptability. It is both vital and achievable. At the start of lockdown number one, panic set in. Will companies still hire people? Will our recruitment services be needed? Is the jobs market going to deteriorate and take us with it? Having a plan and a way to respond to what was happening around us, was key. 2020 turned out to be rather successful, as long-standing clients remained loyal and we even struck up new business with companies who were experiencing rapid-growth and investment. Keeping going and remaining positive, allowed the business to thrive in a seemingly threatening situation.

Four | Self-Care. From those who were made redundant and unaware of their next steps, to key-workers who struggled to come up for air, self-care is no longer seen as a privilege, but a necessity to keep us above water. Taking the time out to look after yourself is extremely important, more so in a time where the unexpected is around the corner at every twist and turn. For those who entered into a work-from-home routine, self-care was an important way to set boundaries between work and personal-life which became increasingly blurred. Self-care isn’t for the self-absorbed, it’s for everyone.

Five | Staying Connected. Whether that’s with friends and family who aren’t a part of your household, or your industry network. Staying connected means that you’re never alone. When clients and customers are key to your business being successful, keeping in touch and offering help where necessary allows to strengthen those bonds and make you memorable during a time of need.

So, as we head into 2021 and the next 12 months are laid out ahead of us, let’s remember all that 2020 taught us in order to tackle the virus in the way we know best. To keep your head up, know your boundaries, practise self-care and remain grateful for the work you do.