Obviously, #COVID19 creates a number of significant problems in the world, our country, businesses, nonprofits, governments, and schools. This temporary situation, current trend, or permanent transformation is challenging. So, let’s look at the opportunities for people working or learning remotely or not employed full time to improve their lives as well as others’.
REMOTE WORK IS EXPANDING
Twitter announced that most employees don’t ever have to go back to the office. “Continue working from home, or anywhere else that makes them happy and productive, forever.” Google and Facebook have extended work from home (WFH) through the end of 2020. California State University Campuses will not open for Fall Semester; on-line classes continue. Certainly, these organizations are not going to be alone in their shift from traditional offices and classrooms.
SADLY, UNEMPLOYMENT/UNDEREMPLOYMENT IS EXPANDING TOO
This is difficult for people in all walks of life, low-wage earners, seniors, and 2020 graduates from high school, college, and graduate programs. Summer internships are canceled, work start dates delayed, and lay-offs and furloughs abound. Further, government services will have less money to spend on their usual services.
OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN, GROW, AND SERVE
In most metropolitan areas, car commute times to and from work average an hour a day; that’s 250 hours per year! Public transport takes even longer, but at least we can read the paper, on our iPad, if there’s Wifi. WFH enables us to invest newfound time to volunteer for critical causes that impact #COVID19 recovery and the future.
Non-profits, are inundated with the volume of need, while having to get creative with providing services safely remotely and in person. They need skilled labor, expertise, and feet on the ground. Accountants can teach financial literacy. Operations experts can rationalize supply chains. Media and marketing professionals can advocate for causes and help raise funds. Join an on-line tutoring program; so many students are falling behind right now. Communities can come together and maintain social distancing by picking up trash while walking in the neighborhood. Anyone so motivated can collect and distribute food, clothing, and supplies, or sew masks to prevent virus spread.
For some, this can be an occasion to extend school earning another degree, get training in a new field or trade, or to participate in stipend volunteer programs, like AmeriCorps, Year Up, VISTA, FEMA Corps, or City Year. Select companies, like Starbucks and UPS, already fund programs that enable employees to work with non-profits. Regardless, participating in voluntary service and having impact increases a candidates employability!
2020 is an Election and Census year: a functioning democracy requires full participation in both. Educate yourself about local, state, and national candidates and campaign or phone bank for your favorites. Help with voter registration, absentee ballots, or work the polls. Conduct a drive or outreach program to help people trust and complete their census forms.
I’d love to hear how this Hartz & Minds post inspires YOU! Jennifer@Corporatehartz.com