Post-traumatic growth (PTG) is a theory that explains transformation following trauma. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted almost every element of our lives, and education was no exception.

COVID-19 required educators, parents and students to rapidly adjust to new modes of learning. In a matter of weeks, schools had to find and implement viable alternatives to the traditional model of teaching in a physical classroom. The degree to which these have been successful differs substantially and depends on numerous factors, but the fact that they made it possible was an achievement in itself.

But what impact did this have on the workplace and employee wellbeing? How has the experience of educators been different to Australian business owners? How have they utilised PTG to move beyond the trauma?

We’re just beginning to understand the impact that COVID-19 has had on leaders both inside and outside of education. To better understand what this impact looks like, we’ve partnered with Michelle Falzon from Positive Wellbeing Education to assist with groundbreaking research looking at the PTG of Melbourne business owners, who experienced the longest lockdowns in the world during the pandemic.