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The steep economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic hit hard and fast. The recovery is proving to be a lot more herky jerky, but signs of progress abound.

As the U.S. Centers for Disease Control loosens mask guidelines for the vaccinated and as Gov. Charlie Baker lifts coronavirus restrictions, residents have begun to rebuild with the aim of helping things “return to normal.” But normal never worked.

People are on the move at Community Healthlink, Northern Bank & Trust, Cornerstone Bank and more.

Growth without scaling can result in miscommunication, too little manufacturing, scarce staff and ultimately, unhappy customers. Here are ways to scale, or build room to grow.

Just 57% of women participated in the workforce in 2020, the lowest number since 1988, according to the National Women’s Law Center.

Success on the job is not just a function of technical competence. Social skills and good judgment are critical.

As individuals, many of us take little time for reflection. We are always onto the next thing, grinding to become more. How then do we become more, when we don’t know who we are to begin with?

After the coronavirus pandemic forced changes to work life – particularly an increase in remote work and a decrease in the need for office space – the results of this survey seem to suggest businesses are reverting to their traditional thinking.

Despite the rough past 16 months and the pandemic’s continued impact on the economy, local forecasters are optimistic about the short- and long-term future of the Central Massachusetts business community, especially as statewide restrictions have been lifted and vaccination rates rise.

As Central Massachusetts, and the nation, recovers from the sharpest recession in its history, companies around the region are coping with the same situation.