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Would you work from home forever? Tell us what you think life should look like post-pandemic

Have your say, and see how your answers compare.

OUR LIVES HAVE been changed immeasurably by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of those changes – like sticking to our 5k radius – are temporary, but others are more permanent.

The 25th annual Science Week runs from November 8-15, and this year’s theme is ‘Choosing Our Future’. In the spirit of change and choice, we’re taking a look at some of the habits and patterns Irish people have adopted in recent months – and we’re asking you to decide which ones you’d bring with you into a post-pandemic future.

Answer the questions below to build a picture of the where you stand. Each time you give a rating, you’ll see how your number matches the overall reader average. Let’s go…

1. Everyday life

It’s estimated that 40% of paid workers in Ireland have been doing their jobs from home during the COVID-19 pandemic – a significant shift for a country where remote working has long been the exception, not the rule.

But how have you felt about the change – and has it opened your eyes to new ways of working?

WORKING IT

'If I could, I'd work from home on a permanent basis.' How strongly do you agree with this statement, where 10 is strongly agree?

6

BALANCING ACT

It can be tricky to maintain a divide between work and personal life when your house is also your office. How much have the current work-from-home arrangements affected your work-life balance, where 1 is 'not at all' and 10 is 'quite a lot'?

6

Another massive change to our everyday lives has been the move toward remote communication, with a huge spike in the use of platforms like Zoom and Google Hangouts.

From social gatherings to important work meetings, video has become an integral part of our everyday routines in 2020. But would you like to see this trend continue?

VISUAL AID

How regularly do you see yourself using video calling in a post-pandemic world, where 1 is 'not at all regularly' and 10 is 'extremely regularly'?

6

2. Green living

Climate change is becoming a more and more urgent concern. Last month, the Irish government confirmed it was working toward a goal of carbon neutrality for Ireland by 2050.

But along with large-scale policy changes, there are changes we can make as individuals too. Let’s examine some of the key areas where change is possible, from plastic usage to air travel…

ONE USE ONLY

Single-use plastic waste has surged worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic, not just for businesses and hospitals but for individuals too. 'I've been creating more single-use plastic waste in recent months.' How strongly do you agree with this statement, where 10 is strongly agree?

6

HOME TURF

'I'd be more likely to choose a holiday in Ireland over a holiday abroad, even when restrictions are lifted.' How strongly do you agree with this statement, where 10 is strongly agree?

6

KEEP IT GREEN

If given the choice, how likely are you to walk/cycle somewhere instead of driving there, where 1 is 'not at all likely' and 10 is 'extremely likely'?

6

3. Health and wellbeing

The last eight months have been a worrying and uncertain time for many people. Long-term stress can have lasting impacts on our bodies, but learning safe and effective coping mechanisms is a great step towards a healthier future.

STRESS TEST

'I want to reduce my stress levels.' How strongly do you agree with this statement, 10 being very strongly?

6

We’ve all become hyper-aware of the slightest throat tickle or runny nose, and keeping our immune systems in tip-top shape will be vitally important this winter. But do we have the tools we need to make this change?

A BUG'S LIFE

'I know how best to protect myself from bugs, germs and viruses.' How strongly do you agree with this statement, 10 being very strongly?

6

We’ve all had to become used to social distancing and carrying masks. But will this be a permanent shift? 

KEEP YOUR DISTANCE

How likely would you be to continue to take precautions like mask-wearing post-pandemic, 10 being very likely?

6

The 25th annual Science Week takes place from November 8-15. This year’s theme is ‘Choosing Our Future’, and there’ll be hundreds of virtual events taking place, from talks to demos to workshops. Find out more at scienceweek.ie.

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