The world has changed. There are constant recommendations of social distance and self-isolation. In some countries, schools, cinemas, and bars are still closed. Now it isn’t the time to think about traveling because the threat of infection is still high. Among the most necessary recommendations is constant disinfection with an antiseptic and social distance. At first, we thought that it wouldn’t be for a long period, that it would be for a couple of months and that’s all, well, maybe a little more. But today comes the realization that this is possible for a very long period and you need to learn to live by new rules. Yes, some restrictions have undoubtedly been removed, and life has become more like life before lockdown, but after all, many restrictions are still in force. Besides, there is always a possibility that the restrictions may be tightened at any time.
Should the coronavirus be viewed only as a life-changing mechanism? Perhaps there are positive aspects of what is now called COVID 19? There is an opportunity to follow a new trajectory and launch new strategies for business and life development. In any case, the changes will be and possibly in a very long-term aspect. What do we want to say about this? There are three aspects where the changes from the virus can be very long-lasting. Let’s take a closer look.
Business trips
Travel and business trips are a very important part of the life of any employee. These trips are critical to achieving business goals or plans. Why? Of course, a face-to-face meeting always carries a more trusting level of relationship, which contributes to a more successful deal. What now? Due to the threat of coronavirus infection, many companies (a huge number – almost all) have drastically reduced or canceled such trips altogether.
I guess we’re about to find out which meetings could’ve been emails after all…
— Sara Wallace Goodman (@ThatSaraGoodman) March 8, 2020
However, there is a way out. Now, due to lockdown restrictions, Skype or Zoom is widely used for video conferencing. A very convenient alternative because you don’t need to spend money on travel, the meeting takes place at a flexible time and from a place convenient for you, and it is also safe for your health. Moreover, it is a way to drastically reduce business travel expenses. So employers will only see this as a great advantage. Perhaps in the future, when restrictions are lifted, video conferencing will deepen so much that the level of real trips will never be the same (for some reason, we are sure about that).
Remote working
Due to the coronavirus restrictions, it is becoming more common to work from home. However, this also has many disadvantages. When working remotely, an employee (home = office) starts to work harder and more intensively, which is not very good for productivity and health. There are also certain disadvantages for the company. Sometimes the physical presence of an employee at work is simply necessary. Many opportunities for building team spirit and maintaining harmonious working relationships are lost. Therefore, many workers returned to their offices. Now we need to think effectively over and implement new strategies for business and company development. It is also vital to create a comfortable online space for employees and the company for a comfortable online coexistence. When the restrictions are lifted, we are sure that some of the companies will go online. Thus, the coronavirus will change this world forever.
mood pic.twitter.com/vxqzmFcJuL
— Jamie Powell (@ajb_powell) March 17, 2020
Break of industries
Even before the advent of the coronavirus, many industries were plagued by disruptions. Now, when there are a lot of restrictions, these shifts are happening even more rapidly and radically. Stay-at-home coronavirus policy is fundamentally changing the state of the market. The demand and supply have also undergone critical changes.
As for other areas, such as education, a huge part of it shifts online. Even before these events, everything gradually turned into virtual space, now there has been a sharp leap – and all education is already here! However, in this particular case, we see continuous advantages, since online learning is learning without borders. Millions of opportunities have already become available to students from all over the world. Yes, the coronavirus has become a critical moment in our lives, turning the habitual reality upside down, but there are some positive aspects as well. Take care!
Discussion about this post