3. EMPATHY IN WORKPLACES AND SCHOOLS
The pandemic has permanently reshaped how we as a society view work and learning. Is physical attendance truly essential, or is it just a legacy marker of engagement? Are there things we’ve been doing that were changed or eliminated entirely by pandemic restrictions, and does it make sense to review them, revive them, or leave them behind altogether?
Employers and educators must continue to acknowledge that individuals learn and work in diverse ways, and many can thrive with flexibility, compassion and thoughtful accommodations.
By embracing hybrid models and fostering cultures and attitudes that centre empathy, workplaces and schools can empower people to grow and contribute meaningfully, regardless of their circumstances. We should continue striving to create environments where people feel supported and valued – not constrained or excluded by outdated norms.
4. FILL REMAINING GAPS IN SOCIETY
Nostalgia for the pandemic does not negate the suffering, losses and mistakes made during those difficult years. As we remember those who lost their lives or loved ones, and honour those who bore the brunt of the crisis, have we truly learnt from their strife and sacrifice?
For instance, many frontline workers continue to suffer overwork and underpayment, while high-risk individuals such as the immunocompromised still face threats from other infectious diseases.
Reflection and acknowledgment are critical not just for closure, but for growth. Only by confronting the pandemic’s realities without memory biases can we thoroughly evaluate our collective response and improve our preparedness for future crises.
5. APPRECIATE THE LITTLE THINGS
I often find myself lamenting the heavy traffic and relentless jams on the highway during my daily commute, nostalgic for the near-empty roads of the circuit breaker period.
Yet, I remind myself that the traffic, frustrating as it may be, is a sign of normalcy restored. It is far better to endure a traffic jam than to live under the constant shadow of a fatal virus.
Five years on, let this anniversary remind us not only of the challenges we faced, but also of the many ways we sought to rebuild and reshape our lives.
With reflection, compassion and action, we can ensure that the lessons of the pandemic lead to a more resilient future for all.
Dr Lim Boon Leng is a psychiatrist at the Gleneagles Medical Centre.
