6 pandemic work habits we shouldn’t lose in our ‘new normal’

Presented by

Let’s be real: The pandemic made it hard to be productive. In addition to having to suddenly learn new technologies, we dealt with intense stress and grief, and a sustained lack of work-life separation. But, as writer Gwen Moran notes in her latest piece for Fast Company, we did adapt in some ways that were pretty impressive. For one, the pandemic crystalized priorities for many workers—which is leading to a big shakeup at many organizations right now.

“People have started asking for more in the workplace, whether it’s more money, a title change, or generally advocating for ourselves and taking action to fight fears that have held us back from getting what we want in the past,” speaker, author, and podcast host Luvvie Ajayi Jones told Moran. Read on to learn what other habits and traits we need to hold onto as vaccination rates rise and offices reopen.

—Julia Herbst

work life

6 pandemic work habits we shouldn’t lose in our ‘new normal’

Some of the ways we coped during the pandemic actually make the workplace better. Experts share which habits we should keep.

co.design

Target, Fila, and Wayfair can’t get enough of this radical design movement

The ’80s-era design collective Memphis Group believed that designers shouldn’t be tools of industry. Today, the group’s aesthetic has been co-opted by major companies, from Target to Puma.

tech

This Chrome extension lets you apply for tons of remote jobs with just a click

Ditch the tedium of filling out your info over and over again with this tool from job search provider Ladders.

a message from honeywell

The Future is Yours to Make

Join will.i.am and the CEOs of Salesforce and Honeywell in a conversation about innovating creatively, effectively, and at scale to bring about thought, action, and change. Watch now.

This Bezos-backed energy startup hopes to take the next step toward nuclear fusion

The clean, safe form of power generation has been ’10 years away’ for decades now, but General Fusion thinks it may be getting closer. Its new installation will prove if it’s right.

work life

Try these 9 easy exercises to train your brain to be more productive

Yes, you really can “rewire” your brain for optimal performance at work and home.

co.design

Former NRA president tricked into doing an anti-gun violence PSA

David Keene thought he was rehearsing a high school graduation speech, except the 3,000 empty chairs really represented student gun victims.

tech

Windows 11 looks modern. Just as important, it looks like Windows

Nine years after Microsoft shook things up with Windows 8, it seems to be at a place where it can tackle fresh challenges and still play to its strengths.

impact

6 simple hacks that will cool you down without air-conditioning during the coming heat wave

As climate change causes extreme heat in unexpected places, people without AC may not think they have the ability to lower the temperature inside. But there are ways to cool down, even if you’re not able to buy a new appliance.

coronavirus

As the Delta variant spreads, unvaccinated communities are at risk

NIAD Director Anthony Fauci is urging more Americans to get vaccinated as places with low vaccination rates see COVID-19 spikes.

NEWS

Help for Surfside: What you need to know

Yesterday a large portion of a 12-story Surfside condo near Miami collapsed for as of yet unconfirmed reasons.

According to The Washington Post, 99 residents are still unaccounted for, and officials say they expect the death toll to rise.

The collapse of the condo, called Champlain Towers South, is front-page news around the nation, with many wondering how they can help the victims

A number of groups have stepped up the effort, including GoFundMe, which has a dedicated page for verified campaigns. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat basketball team and other local foundations have established SupportSurfside.org, a hardship fund for those affected by the collapse.

FREE SPONSORED E-BOOK OF THE DAY

18 Actionable Strategies to Accelerate Your Career

Click here to download your free e-book.

Support strength in journalism
Join Fast Company Premium for $1

If you don’t want to receive Compass anymore, unsubscribe here
If you were forwarded Compass and like it, subscribe here

View this newsletter online

7 World Trade Center, 29th Floor, New York, NY 10007-2195

6 pandemic work habits we shouldn’t lose in our ‘new normal’

Older messages

The new iPhone you really want may arrive in 2022, not this fall

Call for entries: Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies

Exclusive: Apple makes its case against iPhone app sideloading

Low-income neighborhoods have fewer trees. Here’s why that’s a problem

4 tech podcasts you should be listening to

You Might Also Like

Google Gives Back to Small Publishers? + A HUGE Discount is Here...

🔥 Utopia thought to bring you - Your Game-Changer this December

Gary Gensler Resigns as SEC Chair Effective January 20th

Find your strategic partners

Good News for Amazon Sellers: No Fee Hikes in 2025 [Crew Review]

Crypto-Related Public Companies Are Still Undervalued

In the waiting room

Influence Weekly #364 - Meta Plans To Introduce Advertising On Threads In Early 2025 As X Battles Advertiser Exodus

Weekly Dose of Optimism #121

37,000 visitors 🚀 Are niche sites back?!