CAI-NJ Nov. 2021(w)

MANAGEMENT TRENDS Is There a Post-COVID Normal? By Ray Barnes, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Associa Mid-Atlantic – King of Prussia, AAMC

F or some, things feel relatively normal. But others may never feel settled again. While the country was under lockdown, the rules were clear. Essential workers ven- tured out and everyone else sheltered in. Bars and restau- rants were closed except for dining out; Mom and Pop stores were closed, some shuttered. Outings were limited to the supermarket or the drugstore. The mantra was “Sorry, no more than 12 people at a time.” The ramping down was easy, though confusing. Emergency orders and restrictions were enacted. No one, not even our politicians or professionals could agree on a course of action. What can we do? Where can we go? Life would never be normal again. Property Managers found life a little complicated. We had to learn to operate remotely. We not only had to per- form the day-to-day activities from home, but we also had to service our clients “sight unseen.” I would be remiss if I did not admit that I enjoyed the remote office, until I started to get bored. Then, I found it satisfying to secretly venture out and drive through the community at least once a week. At least, some of the residents would see me and know that we were still working. Meetings became so much easier on a virtual format. Discussion, decision, questions… done. And I will happily admit that I was one of the “crowd” wearing shorts during most of those meetings. Come spring, we started to see some of the hysteria and restrictions subsiding. Companies were opening slowly and there was a little light at the end of the tunnel. Most of us started that “slow return” and our enthusiasm started to build, with a whole lot of anxiety. We now find that returning was and is difficult. The labor force and material inventories are in very high demand and very short supply. Projects are scheduled out for months as businesses find themselves short of employees, inventory or are simply overbooked and overworked. But with all of these imped- iments, there is optimism. We can finally breathe easier.

Ирина Мещерякова/iStock/Getty Images Plus

“...while there will be people to meet and celebrations to be had, it is important to understand that not everyone will be ready to fully return to society.”

There are plenty of media posts and stories from people experiencing the joys of returning to “normal” as quarantine ends. But while there will be people to meet and celebra- tions to be had, it is important to understand that not every- one will be ready to fully return to society. This will require us to be compassionate and patient with ourselves and others as we begin to socialize again. Just as the world has changed during this period of quarantining, so have we as individuals. In this strange era, give yourself the time and space you need to adjust to being “normal” again. Recognize that you may feel different hour to hour and day to day, that uncertainty still does exist. But as America has always ral- lied behind herself after disasters, it will be heartwarming to see her, if not the world, bounce back again. Stay safe; have hope. n

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