COVID-19: Uncertainty for Businesses

Greeting Stewards,

The COVID-19 pandemic has allowed us to hear the voices of so many patients and providers. But in retrospect, those voices are only a small percentage of those struggling through a pandemic. At the peak of the pandemic lockdowns and mandates, businesses took a hit and had to reevaluate how to survive, especially smaller businesses.

An article from the Cumberland Times-News touches on the uncertainty for businesses even now amidst the pandemic saying, “during the pandemic, people have reevaluated what they see as important.” Many people have been reluctant to return to work or to find new jobs after depending on unemployment wages since 2020. However, another factor is that “people are looking for a place to belong,” said a Cumberland-based business consultant. She speaks about how the uncertainty generated by the pandemic and the fate of businesses has made people uneasy about accepting new jobs. People are not only prioritizing workspaces that care, but also that pay well. This has created challenges for restaurants, which are understaffed and struggling to compete against other businesses. Some restaurants have found success in raising wages. But smaller venues are struggling.

Our project focuses primarily on the healthcare system, but looking at these other narratives can help us understand and see the intersectionality between the many systems COVID-19 has impacted. In times like these, it can be helpful to examine how stories overlap and intertwine.

Lastly, recruitment for our forums themed “Uncertain Together” has finally started! Please feel free to check out our Forum page on our website for further information. To register for the Forums, please click the button down below! We hope to see you here.

On behalf of PAHS,

Asheanna