The Gifts of 2020

Unprecedented. 

These uncertain times.

Unexplored territory. 

When I started thinking about what my final post of 2020 would be about, I took great pause to consider various topics.  How to possibly put this year into words?  And to that end, what do I really want to say?  There will be 10,000+ HR blog posts about the end of 2020 – do we need another one that basically reads the same as the others?  So, I’ve decided to just be honest.

2020 sucked.  In so many ways and for so many people, this year was an abomination.  And while COVID-19 stole the show, the other events of the year were not just supporting roles – George Floyd, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the election, the Nashville Christmas Day explosion, etc.  It is no surprise most people want to leap into 2021 and not look back. 

For HR, the pandemic brought challenges never-before seen in the industry.  I honestly never thought I would be involved in navigating such an event in my career.  The effects of the virus brought out the best in some organizations; the worst in others.  It is interesting how people show their true colors in times of crisis.  The constant was HR – steering the ship, ensuring compliance, calming fears, providing information.  If you are a business owner or leader reading this and you have not thanked your HR department for their efforts during this time, you need to do so immediately. 

So, we know that 2020 was difficult – but I like to focus on the positive.  What can we learn from this experience that will make us better in the future?  I have identified several gifts that 2020 gave to me for which I am thankful:

1. More family time – with all 4 members of my household being home for the majority of the year, we made the most of the time together.  A really nice perk was having lunch together – we actually sat at the table and had a meal during the day.  Sure, we also drove each other crazy at times but it’s been really nice being together. 

2. Proof that remote works – across the country, we saw businesses and schools change to remote formats that actually worked.  I see this as a tremendous win.  Gone are the limitations that come with brick and mortar.  Businesses can expand without the cost, employees can work and live from anywhere, students can learn in condensed modules and have more time for real-world experiences, etc.  The possibilities are endless.  I truly hope that we learn from the experience of 2020 and not just revert back to where we were. 

3. Being a COVID survivor – yes, I had it.  All 4 in my house had it.  It was not pleasant.  But we survived and I’m beyond grateful.  As we know, many have not survived.  But I’m thankful for another reason – for many who still didn’t know anyone who can contracted COVID at the beginning of November, I became the one person they knew.  Several people told me that by sharing my story, it became more real for them.  If I was able to convince even one person that this thing is real, I’m glad to do it. 

4. Increased fruit consumption – since last spring, at about 2:30pm every day, my husband has sliced an apple and passed out slices to me and our daughters.  It’s a great mid-afternoon snack and helped me to increase my daily fruit servings.  I am thankful for his diligence. 

5. Renewed focus – the events of 2020 have shifted perspective for me in multiple ways, personally and professionally.  I am seeing things in a different light.  As I mull over the new year today and this coming weekend, I am excited to consider adventures/challenges/goals with fresh eyes and a full heart. 

What gifts did you receive from 2020?

Happy New Year to all!  Peace, joy, comfort, love, and blessings to you in 2021!!!