You are ready to go, right? You are ready to get back to a sense of normalcy—put all of this behind you and get moving. Before you jump back into the game, remember that every step you take, however small, is a step forward. It is not something you always want to hear, but it is the truth. The commercial construction industry, like every other one out there, continues to find its way through the chaos.
I came across a study recently that I thought I would share. Mower Insight Group’s “How COVID-19 has Changed Americans’ Comfort Levels, Behaviors and Outlooks” polled 1,000 US adults to see how long it would take for people to feel safe and resume “normal” activities. Just so you know, “yesterday” was not one of the responses.
What it showed was worth sharing. Here is some of the study’s feedback. See where your mindset is:
What people are most excited about and comfortable resuming on Day One
People look most forward to resuming their normal routines (55%), while more than 40% are comfortable going back to work, grocery shopping regularly, and visiting family and friends.
What they think about sports without spectators
A majority (62%) either believe it is the right call or at least understand the rationale, while 20% say there is no point playing without fans.
How they feel about traveling
Only 42% say they would travel internationally by Day 60, while 22% say they have never or would never venture beyond the US.
Their financial concerns and behaviors
People worry more about the pandemic’s impact on the economy (49%) than their personal finances (37%), while 55% plan to budget and save more post-COVID-19.

People most look forward to resuming their normal routines (55%), while more than 40% are comfortable going back to work, grocery shopping regularly, and visiting family and friends.

Their likelihood to use telemedicine
The percentage who have tried telemedicine has more than doubled, with 17% using it for the first time during the pandemic.
How they feel about virtual learning
Post-pandemic, people think schools should only use online learning under special circumstances like severe flu or weather (38%), while 12% say it is not an acceptable way to teach.
Their social media habits
Forty-nine percent expect their social media usage to stay the same post-pandemic, while 25% will be ready for a break.
What COVID-19 behaviors they plan to maintain
Over four in 10 think better general hygiene and no handshaking should continue after the pandemic passes.
Well, where does your responses fit into what other people think? I can tell you that I have no problem watching sports without fans. Do I miss it? Yes. Will I head abroad the first chance I get? Not sure about that one. I think it is going to take some time to see what shakes out (once we get to a point where there is something to shake out).
I would be curious to see what you think. If you have some insights, visit one of our social media sites and drop us a note. Start a conversation. Share what you have been up to. We have been lucky enough to hold some CCRP virtual get togethers, as well as our first Virtual Women’s Retreat (thank you to all the awesome commercial construction professionals who made that happen).
Until we get back to normal, this is our normal. And we still love every minute of it. Do we need a survey on that last point?
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Story by Michael J. Pallerino, editor of Commercial Construction & Renovation magazine. Over the past 30-plus years, he has won numerous awards, including the “Jesse H. Neal Editorial Achievement Award,” recognized as the Pulitzer Prize for business-to-business magazines. He can be reached at mikep@ccr-mag.com.