Written by Romina Pace, Head of Human Resources-AX Hotels
None of us could really understand the impact of COVID-19 when it struck us way back in March. The only certain and common factor amongst different nations and communities was our undeterred focus to protect and safeguard our loved ones, the elderly and the vulnerable, healthcare workers and front liners.
Over the past eight months, we’ve all witnessed the global impact and severe consequences of this virus and it has shocked us beyond our core. The pandemic has challenged us all to rethink, reassess and re-evaluate our priorities, amongst great difficulty, ambiguity and uncertainty, both on a personal and professional level.
Many companies went above and beyond to ensure that their task force retained their livelihood during these hard times and the government’s grant to support employment has surely helped to save jobs. Unfortunately, I also recognize that not everyone is as fortunate or well-equipped, especially businesses that were small or had just started out.
The strategies that the authorities implemented to flatten the covid-19 curve such as social distancing, stay-at-home orders, travel and mobility restrictions have resulted in the temporary closure of many hospitality businesses and significantly decreased the demand for businesses that were allowed to continue to operate.
There are times where in this situation, most people feel deflated, disheartened, and drained and it is normal that most of us feel this way. I always remind myself that there is no harm in looking at the bright side of things and thinking with a positive outlook.
I strongly believe that the only way to cope with this upheaval is by sticking together and making the best use of everyone’s strengths. Throughout all the chaos that characterised 2020, we’ve come to the realisation that life is too short, and tomorrow is not a guarantee. We must find ways to make it better for our own good. Let us remember that every cloud has a silver lining so we must never give up on life, life is beautiful. Let us be a light in someone’s darkness.
