10 Ways the US Has Changed Since the Pandemic Began

Remember life before the pandemic turned the world upside down? 

It’s hard to believe how much has changed in just a few short years. From the way we work and learn to how we shop and socialize, the pandemic has left an indelible mark on American society. 

1. The Rise of Remote Work

According to a 2021 survey by Upwork, 41.8% of the American workforce remained fully remote at the time, with an estimated 26.7% that was expected to continue working from home through 2021. (ref) This newfound flexibility has not only reshaped the traditional office landscape but also prompted a reevaluation of work-life balance and career priorities.

Remote work has also had ripple effects on other aspects of life, such as housing preferences and urban demographics. As more people embrace the freedom to work from anywhere, some have opted to relocate to more affordable or scenic locations, leading to a “Zoom town” phenomenon in certain areas.

2. Online Learning Goes Mainstream

Remember when online education was seen as a poor substitute for the “real” classroom experience? Not anymore. When schools nationwide shut down in March 2020, educators and students alike were forced to adapt to virtual learning on the fly.

While the transition was undoubtedly challenging, it opened eyes to the potential of online education. Colleges are now investing heavily in digital infrastructure, realizing that the future of higher ed will be a blend of in-person and online. Even when campuses fully reopen, many students may opt for the convenience of logging in to class.

3. E-Commerce Explosion

With storefronts shuttered and consumers wary of leaving home, online shopping saw a massive surge during the pandemic. E-commerce sales jumped by over 30% in 2020 as even reluctant digital shoppers came to rely on the convenience of home delivery. (ref)

Retailers have taken note, pouring money into improving their online platforms and streamlining logistics. Curbside pickup is now a common sight, and same-day delivery has become table stakes. While some predicted a return to physical stores post-pandemic, it’s clear that e-commerce is now central to the retail landscape.

4. Telehealth Takes Off

One of the few silver linings of the pandemic was the rapid adoption of telehealth. With doctor’s offices closed to routine visits, patients turned to virtual consultations in record numbers. Regulators eased restrictions and insurers expanded coverage, making telemedicine more accessible than ever.

The convenience factor suggests telehealth is no passing fad. While in-person care will always be necessary for some situations, the ability to consult with a physician from your living room is an innovation that’s likely to stick. The technology also holds promise for expanding access to care in underserved areas.

5. A New Appreciation for Essential Workers

The pandemic shone a spotlight on the vital role played by oft-overlooked essential workers, from grocery store clerks and delivery drivers to nurses and teachers. As white-collar professionals retreated to the safety of home offices, these frontline heroes kept society running, often at great personal risk.

The crisis sparked calls for better pay, benefits and protections for essential workers. While progress has been incremental, there’s no doubt the pandemic has elevated their stature in the public consciousness. 

6. Hygiene Habits Forever Changed

The pandemic has indelibly altered our hygiene habits and social norms around personal space.

Handwashing, once an afterthought, is now a frequent ritual for many. Mask-wearing, while no longer ubiquitous, is now widely accepted and even expected in certain settings. The crisis has made us all more cognizant of the invisible threats lurking on surfaces and in the air around us.

7. A Mental Health Crisis

Even as it recedes, the pandemic leaves behind a devastating toll on the nation’s mental health. Prolonged isolation, financial stress, grief and anxiety have coalesced into a full-blown crisis, with depression and substance abuse on the rise.

It also highlighted stark disparities in access to care, particularly in communities of color. Addressing this secondary epidemic will require a sustained focus and investment in expanding treatment options and erasing stigma.

8. The Politicization of Public Health

One of the pandemic’s more troubling legacies is the increased politicization of public health. Measures like masking and vaccination became lightning rods, as science skepticism and misinformation ran rampant on social media.

This polarization had real-world consequences, as some shunned proven interventions and preventable deaths mounted. Rebuilding trust in public health institutions and battling the “infodemic” of false narratives will be an ongoing challenge in the post-COVID world.

9. A Childcare Crisis

For working parents, particularly mothers, the pandemic brought the simmering childcare crisis to a boil. With daycares and schools closed and support networks off-limits, many were forced to juggle work and full-time childcare, often with disastrous results for their careers and mental health.

10. A Renewed Focus on Preparedness

If there’s one overarching lesson from the pandemic, it’s the importance of preparedness. The crisis exposed critical gaps in everything from our stockpiles of medical supplies to our social safety net.

It’s a wake-up call we ignore at our peril. From bolstering public health infrastructure to investing in vaccine development to strengthening supply chains, shoring up our defenses against future threats will require sustained commitment. While the costs may seem daunting, the price of inaction is far higher. In an interconnected world, the next pandemic is not a matter of if, but when.