It goes without saying that 2020 was a year that we won’t ever forget, but there is now some light at the end of the tunnel. The question is, after a year of fear, grief, and solitude, how will we handle a new normal?  

Now, halfway into 2021, we see some light at the end of the long, dark tunnel. Many of us are apprehensive, asking ourselves what that light brings. What is the new normal?

THE NEW WORKPLACE

For some of us, it’s time to put away the PJs and sweats, squeeze into our office attire, and head back to the brick and mortar of our jobs. For others, it’s possible that your company has embraced the idea of remote working and plans to continue the policy. According to a survey by Enterprise Technology Research (ETR), the percentage of workers permanently working from home is expected to double in 2021.

What does that mean for you?

If you are a Red or White personality, you are probably more than okay with continuing to work remotely. Reds are productive, and Whites are self-regulated. You are happy to be away from office politics and are content to stay home. Because you are so task-focused, you might send your first email at 6am and your last at midnight. Be sure to make time for yourself. Pick a time to log off and take care of your needs. The emails can wait.

If you do go back to the office, you will do well to remember you no longer have a mute button that allows you to make snide comments in a meeting. So it’s time to brush up on your people skills.

If you are a Blue or Yellow personality, the office setting might be preferable if given a choice. You thrive on relationships and social interaction with your coworkers. Being a part of an in-person team, rather than the less-satisfying online meetings, motivates you.

If your job is now officially remote, allow for your need of others. Blues might want to cultivate a relationship with a mentor or coach available to listen when you feel the need to talk through work issues. Yellows will need to focus on discipline. Make lists of tasks that need to be accomplished, set deadlines, and reward yourself with social time only after completing the job.

NEW SOCIAL NORMS

Mask mandates are lifted, many of us have been vaccinated, and the world is slowly opening up to us. However, the year 2020 has instilled new behaviors in us. We no longer shake hands, we instinctively stand 6 feet apart, and we panic a little when we hear someone cough. So how will we handle our re-emergence?

Reds, by nature, don’t need that people connection as much as others. So you have been content to go on solo adventures away from the crowds. It’s time now to start allowing people back into your life. Be patient with the comfort level of others. Allow them to set the rules of engagement.

Blues are more tentative. You are the ones who followed the rules. You made sure you had plenty of hand sanitizer and masks if you had to venture out. Now you might be distrustful of your fellow humans. Still, you need to finally hug the loved ones you have been so fiercely protective of. Take baby steps. Do what makes you feel safe.

White personalities won’t notice much of a difference, except now your friends won’t accept excuses. The pandemic has given you a reason to become reclusive. Still, it’s time to change, or you run the risk of it becoming a lifelong pattern.

Let’s face it. Yellows were the least likely to have followed the “letter of the law” when it came to restrictions. The best part of the country opening up is the places you’ll go and the people you’ll see. Gone are the outfit-matching masks. Remember to be aware and respectful of the obstacles some of us still face. Not everyone is as impatient as you to return to normal activity.

We have all had our own unique reactions to the past year. How we adjust to the new normal is a personal choice. Take care to move at your own speed and with what makes you comfortable. 

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Teresa Glenn has been working with the Color Code since 2006, where her main focus is product development. She has been in the publishing and product development field for over 20 years. Teresa is a core Red with a strong Yellow secondary.