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Adaptability

Adaptability is the ability to navigate change effectively. It involves being open, flexible, and capable of learning from experiences to adjust in response to new circumstances.

Adaptability within the Pandemic - A Graduate Case Study

Covid-19  

As a student that joined the university in 2020, I was nervous about how my education at university would entail. But like many students that may be reading this, it is worth reflecting upon to learn about how we developed skills such as adaptability.  

During the lockdowns from 2020 to 2023, I faced the new challenge of navigating my learning journey through Virtual Learning Environments (VLE). During this time, I demonstrated adaptability and flexibility by engaging in my course using the internet to gather information, and exploring new applications (such as Teams, Zoom, etc.) to collaborate and engage with fellow students and academics. 

Stickperson sitting in house on computer screen that is showing a virtual video call, saying "we'll be back in two weeks"

Furthering on from this, outside of the educational sphere, many people engaged with adaptability in their personal lives and career:  

  • Remote Working  

Many workers shifted to working from home to avoid the spread of illness. They adopted new technologies and management platforms to ensure that work was completed away from the workplace successfully.  

  • Essential Workers  

Although for many workers, they were labelled as essential to a functioning society. Emergency Responders and Healthcare providers displayed remarkable adaptability, quickly adapting to safety guidelines and protocols with PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and controlling the spread of illness through treating patients remotely (over the phone, video, email) where possible. Retail Employees also presented adaptability, through implementing safety measures between their staff and the public, managed stock shortages and ensured that demands were met. Public Transport alongside Delivery and Logistics also adapted, enforcing new safety measures, managing demand and adjusting schedules to ensure deliveries were made in good time. Teachers and Childcare providers adjusted to online learning through VLE’s (Virtual Learning Environments), learnt new technologies and supported students in a challenging learning environment. 

  • Virtual Interactions  

Many events for us all moved to online only, social events, family gatherings and celebrations occurred throughout the pandemic. Moving these events to the digital world required people to embrace and adapt to digital communication to stay connected.  

  • Fitness & Wellbeing  

Gyms, Personal Trainers and their clients turned to virtual workout sessions, exercising at home to stay healthy or engaging in socially distanced sports (such as yoga) in public with others.  

  • Personal Growth & Learning 

Many of us managed to use some of this time to develop new skills and hobbies, demonstrating a pro-active approach to self-improvement. For example, my own hobby that I developed was skateboarding and I have since found many friends through this sport, without the time during the pandemic, I do not know if I would have embarked upon this new hobby.  

  • Community 

Communities adapted to the pandemic by organising events, groups and support to help those in need.  

 

Overall, adaptability was a key skill during the lockdown and highlighted the resilience and creativity of communities and individuals worldwide.