This is a personal disclosure.

I gained 22 pounds during the Pandemic.

While I was thrilled to connect virtually with hundreds of thousands of global learning and business colleagues, I spent 14 months sitting in a very comfortable chair at home.

Almost no exercise. My diet surrendered to some high comfort foods like pretzels and ice cream. And, the body didn’t really get moving much.

When I went for my physical, my doctor was not surprised and not very pleased. He shared that most of his patients had gained weight and reported stiff backs or bodies. My lab work affirmed that I needed to honor my 71 year old body’s need for exercise, healthier food and more activity each day.

As I share this with learning and business colleagues around the world, the shared weight gain and angry bodies was replicated over and over again.

We must, as learning and human resource leaders, have empathy with the health impacts that will be different from person to person. We should focus, without judgement, on the need for our workforces, whether continuing to work from home or coming to the hybrid workplace to focus on their wellness.

I am on the track to taking off those 22 pounds, one pound at a time, with more walking and daily visits to the gym. I have been using an app to refocus my diet. And, my doctor is checking in with me for accountability.

In another eNote, we will discuss the blended realities of “Going Back” or “Moving Forward” as vaccinations are allowing us more mobility and interaction.

Yours in Learning,