Every business is essential and every person is a key worker.

Before I get lynched, let me explain. We’ve heard a lot lately about essential businesses and key workers and how they keep this country going during the Covid-19 crisis. Speaking from a UK perspective here, but I’m sure the same works across all countries, key workers and the respective companies include NHS/healthcare workers, carers, food and supermarket retailers, police, and more. (Not marketers despite the amount of ads I see while trying to binge watch shows or scroll online in my furlough time!)

Of course it is the case that some businesses and jobs are more crucial in certain times, but while I think it’s important to appreciate those working throughout the health crisis, putting themselves at risk, I wanted to show some care to those at home, maybe feeling low about their current situation, and feeling like their lives are not as worthy of admiration.

I absolutely applaud anyone working through this, and can only imagine the horror they must see, and the risks they feel just going to work. I live with someone still working and we are apparently at risk daily of contracting the virus. The buzzword seems to be unprecedented and it certainly is a strange time for us all. This post is not to belittle or ignore the fantastic work done by some, but to show appreciation of others in a different situation.

There are not many hard hitting phrases that can make you feel worthless, but not essential would definitely be up there for some. Every single job done by people – you – helps this world turn and it’s worth noting that you are absolutely essential to the company you work for, the industry you’re in, and to help this country remain where it is. We in the UK are very privileged. We have everything a person could want. However, it is not all there by magic. Our lifestyles, much as we think less of that at the moment, are fuelled by every single person we come across daily.

The people collecting our rubbish to keep our streets clean, the people giving out tickets at the cinema so that we can watch the newly anticipated movie, the people waiting tables to serve us amazing food (Gah I miss restaurants!). The mother-bloody marketers that fuel the economy by making you want all the things! (Biased, me?) There are so many more.

I currently work in the electrical trade industry. It seems like one of those businesses that wouldn’t be important in these times. However, a country without electrical items, such as lighting, would leave us literally living in the dark. (Let’s face it, we don’t get sun until that late.)

While thinking of the local businesses near me, every single one sprung to mind as essential at some point. Maybe not right now, but they all have their place. The kitchen shop, the pet store, the salons. All of these businesses, while not currently at the top of the list, have kept us living the lifestyle we have attained in this country. While this virus crisis remains, a lot of these companies will fail to continue through months of hardship. Lots will close down before they get the help they have been offered by the Government. It’s a sad reality that life will not go on as we know it, but it will certainly be much worse for some than others.

Essential shopping only should be done at this point, but please don’t forget your local businesses, and when we’re all allowed out of the house again, make sure to show them some appreciation .They are essential and everyone is a key worker.

What job do you do? Are you still working? Do you see your role as essential in some way?