Another Covid-19 post

It has been abundantly clear that 2020 was the year that changed everything. The COVID-19 pandemic brought about widespread uncertainty and insecurity, from the economy to our health and social habits. Millions of lives were lost, and constant confusion streamed into the following years.

During the years of lockdown, we here at SAMS had to take a step back have a look at what was going to happen to industry, and whether we’d even be here in the next few years (spoiler alert, were still here).

Changes had to happen. Our training styles changed, our attitudes towards working remotely changed, and we had to work harder than ever before to keep going upwards in the industry instead of falling. As we all know, the pandemic restrictions were incredibly strict. Businesses were closing left, right and centre whilst other hospitality businesses were required to operate at restricted measures. After Boris’s lockdown announcement, we were one of many businesses that had to furlough each and every one of our staff, not knowing if we’d see them again.

Even when lockdown started to ease up again, we still had to make several changes as I’m sure some of you remember. Our classroom courses had to be recommenced with social distancing measures in place, so we didn’t break the rule of six rule. Therefore, instead of our usual 12 students, we had to reduce to a maximum of 6. Other covid secure measures such as a new furniture setup with minimum 1m distancing, screens, masks and regular cleaning had to be taken into precautions. But shortly after announcing this, is when the birth of ZOOM courses arrived to engage with learners in a home working environment.

 

SAMS digitalization reset:

There is no doubt that Covid-19 influenced a digitalization reset. We have all had to adapt to some sort of digital mindset over the past few years, whether this is from a business or personal perspective you probably experienced something remotely. Remember when ZOOM had only just started getting popular? Maybe you used the House party app? But anyway, working remotely here at SAMS started benefitted both us and our customer. The pandemic’s social restrictions actually gave us the impetus we needed to host our courses remotely via ZOOM and have led to us building a proud reputation as remote training specialists. By adapting to this way of teaching and it has welcomed learners from all over the world, including people from Japan, Dubai and New York (technically making us international remote specialists!). It seems the need to become more digitally active has been a remarkable blessing. Our company has been able to blossom further, and we’re now able to spread the importance of health and safety internationally.

The change of industry – is this the new normal?

It’s painful to reflect on the millions of lives lost, the suffering and grief, and the myriad disruptions to lives and livelihoods. But I think it’s fair to say that COVID-19 news seems less urgent than at any time in the past three years. It seems we’re seeing less and less news articles about death caused by COVID-19 and/or about COVID-19’s uncertain doom. However, its influence is still all around us. It’s just no longer a fresh emergency, it’s now more of a face of life.

3 years after the COVID-19 pandemic has emerged, we have had to adapt to a ‘new normal’. Working from home settings, kids and teenagers blending into a new way of learning, wearing of face masks, face shields at almost every reception desk and all the new table service available. It doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. 3 years ago, remote training was completely unheard of, now it’s a way of working some of us can’t imagine without. Plus, it’s done wonders for the environment. We proved that reducing the amount of traffic and carbon gases polluting the air during lockdown, we were able to transform and improve air quality in different cities across the world. For example, One of Italy’s most romantic cities (Venice) was able to showcase it’s beautiful canals which had not been visibly that clear for the past 60 years. A few dolphins were even spotted in the usually murky waters. Citizens of India for the first time in decades were able to see the Himalayas for the first time in decades due to the reduction of pollution caused because of lockdown. This valuable research has influenced more research on climate and pollution clean ups.

Despite any negatives, covid-19 has proved to us how quickly industry can change, and humans can unite and manage resilience in the face of adversity, flexibility and creativity. Emphasis on the creativity! After all did you see the way some priests were baptising babies? I say we keep the water guns, seems fun.

Have views Mental health changed 3 years later?

It’s been no secret that covid – 19 has taken a toll on people’s mental health. However, it seems that more and more employers are no recognising the dangers of poor mental health and lots are finding ways to take care of their staff. People are recognising that mental health is just as important as physical health and therefore should be treated like it. There has even been a new law requiring businesses to offer mental health first aid training has been presented to parliament. This is in hopes that this will lead to more people spotting the early signs of mental health issues in the workplace.

This Bill in simple terms will mean that workers will need a person to signpost them to the help they need when they need it. Meaning that it could be a legal requirement. Employers are now to permitted to be prepared for any incident that may happen in your workplace regardless of whether its physical or mental health.

Preparing for the next normal:

It seems that industry has changed drastically since the announcement of lockdown. But it seems like Covid 19 isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Therefore, we should adapt to our new surroundings and take care of each other.

If anyone wants any Covid advice, you can go GOV.UK or ask us via live chat.

If you’re interested in preparing for the potential new mental health law or looking to improve your own understanding of mental health or the mental health culture in your workplace, SAMS is here to help. Our three mental health first aid courses cover all aspects of mental health training, with different levels for different roles and responsibilities in the workplace. Visit our course page to learn more, or see our schedule to find and book our upcoming courses.