I was taking a little stroll down memory lane. There I found the last piece I published pre-pandemic, pre-she-cession and pre- end of the world as we know it (respectful nod to Michael Stipe). This article was published in February 2020. It was about Postpartum depression – really the whole of the spectrum from Blues to Psychosis. And, how to offer support in very real ways. The topic still applies.
Since then I have written a great deal on our working lives during the Pandemic. From how we find and keep our kids in productive Learning Pods to ways in which organizations have created and maintained Family Friendly Work Cultures.
Here is what I’ve been thinking:
Observation 1
All those articles I have written or you have read about return to work as a parent or both are completely applicabile now (as you find your way back into the workplace)
Observation 2
The part where I am constantly suggesting how very powerful a mentor can be is still true, but I can’t quite make the math work on this one — how can one be or find a mentor for something none of us have done before?
Observation 3
The same way in which organizations would offer increased weeks, months of parental leave — the horse race as I call it, expect that to manifest itself in a new multidimensional format.
Observation 4
Sure, pivot was a fun buzz word, but that is so last year. Expect to hear more about flexibility, remote, job share and off-site.
Observation 5
Dear employers, It really is your problem. Child Care, Eldercare, Remote Work Options — all of it. Zoom has brought whole lives out of the closet. No putting them back now. Rise up.
Observation 6
TSA agents — has anyone bothered to retrain them re how to handle milk, pumps and pumping or nursing mothers?
What are you thinking about? I would love to hear it!