THE WORKPLACE

The pandemic highlighted divisions of labor that can shape the future of how we work and how it is viewed.

The importance of support jobs, which had been taken for granted, is evident. Grocery store clerks and shelf-stockers are essential, for example. As a consequence, they should be paid higher wages commensurate with their role in keeping communities going.

The ability of many professions to carry on from home signals a shift away from large corporate offices, not only for health reasons but also for economics. Employees will still need to gather, that’s part of the workplace culture, but not every day. Teleconferencing is a viable method for workplace communication.

Corporate owners are learning lessons and can commit to let more employees work from home to relieve traffic. With distance working comes less reliance on vehicles and highways. Our rail and bus lines must continue to operate, however, and strive for efficiency and safety. Connecticut’s proximity to New York City dictates a modern mass transit system.

Less individual driving translates to cleaner air for all, a welcome change already visible. A focus on stewardship for the environment — reduction of carbons and chemicals for healthier air, drinking water, lakes, the Sound — is vital.

Some of these themes may seem socially distant from one another, but they share a home every day — in newspapers.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) has long been a line in the sand between political parties.

Now, instead of merely serving as the nation’s primary way to feed those in need, it could simultaneously offer relief to ailing restaurants.

The idea comes, in part, from our state. U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut and fellow Democrat Rep. Jimmy Panetta of California have drafted legislation to permit Americans using SNAP to buy discounted meals at restaurants. The voluntary program is already being used in California, Rhode Island and Arizona for the homeless, the elderly and the disabled who qualify for SNAP.

Murphy and Panetta want to open it to all 38 million current SNAP beneficiaries. It’s the kind of thinking we need more of in the months to come. Not only would it expand food options for those in need while supporting the industry, it also would challenge restaurants to expand their menus with affordable options.