Lifestyle has taken a dramatic turn globally amid the novel coronavirus. We are witnessing massive losses of lives, a generation wipe-out in some countries, small and large business crumbling, stock market turmoil, furloughs, steep rise in unemployment, complete disruption of normal daily activities, a sense of insecurity and concerns about the future. It is heartbreaking looking at the COVID-19 trackers and news channels.
However, there are many positive outcomes that come to my mind. Nobody has the crystal ball to predict exactly what life will look like post COVID-19. We human beings are social creatures by nature and would love to be back with family, friends, and colleagues soon. This pandemic is reshaping an entire generation. My curious mind wonders…what does the “New Normal'' look like?
Work from home
Organizations are recognizing great benefits of leveraging the underutilized digital technologies they already own. In other cases, businesses who were contemplating adoption of digital technologies, have figured it to be a no-brainer. Many organizations can get work done with remote employees and in several cases the productivity has increased. Collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Slack, have now become the backbone of effective operations and means of doing business. There is no more time wasted for work commutes, cafeteria and hallway chats, expensive rental space, etc. With all the cost savings and increased productivity companies are going to rethink who really needs to be in the office space. Organizations are likely to embrace work from home culture a lot more.
Coexistence of humans and robots
Not all work can be done from home. Several factories and warehouses were forced to shut down to protect their employees, while those that are essential struggled to prevent outbreaks. Companies are exploring how robots can enable us to continue manufacturing while maintaining social distancing. Can automation help us better prepare for future pandemics and minimize economic crisis? I believe we are heading fast into a society where next generation robots boosted with rich AI will be working with humans side-by-side. This pandemic has become a catalyst for automation, robotics and AI initiatives.
Flexibility and employee satisfaction
Employees working remote can be anywhere and still get the job done. This gives them flexibility and extra hours if they need to work on stuff longer in the evenings or early morning to keep up with deadlines. Many meeting outcomes can be equally accomplished over the phone and video conferences. I foresee a significant reduction in business travel, saving dollars and giving work flexibility. Increased family time leads to happier employees, which is reflected in increased productivity.
Cleaner environment
Nationwide and regional lockdowns are helping dramatically drop the level of nitrogen dioxide pollution ever recorded in countries like Italy, China, and India. This trend should give us a reason to reflect on the impact human activity has on our lovely planet. Innovations like biofuel and efficient electric-powered aircraft might get accelerated. Do we really need all that travel and what type of vehicles should we use? People are likely to be cognizant about the personal carbon footprint they create.
Diversification and online commerce
Countries where tourism is the primary contributor to their GDP will have to accelerate creation of other industries less based on physical displacement. There is already a significant rise in welcoming and accepting online commerce by all generations. Businesses that were reluctant to do so have to rethink their approach as customers probably will be less inclined to visit or shop at crowded places. Similarly, businesses that were only focused on a physical location and in-person experience, must explore the innovative digital experience possibilities.
Healthcare reform
In addition to an economic crisis, COVID-19 has also created a healthcare crisis. Shortages in doctors, medical staff, testing facilities, hospital beds, force patients to leverage an out-of-network facility. This creates affordability questions in countries like the USA, related to surprise medical bills when patients must receive treatment from an out-of-network provider. There are still a huge number of Americans who have no insurance at all. Are we going to see a significant increase in the insurance premiums next year? Policy makers are likely to evaluate and implement new approaches to handle such public health emergency situations. Major healthcare systems have already begun to develop telemedicine services, I think we will see an accelerated implementation of such practices infused with innovative intelligent healthcare solutions.
Delivery takeout and drop off services
Restaurant business has taken a huge hit and people are figuring that they can still have restaurant food at home safely and it saves time. Many people would probably want to continue with that practice. Does this mean there would be fewer dine-in restaurants? Maybe it leads to having only high-end restaurants that create a unique dining experience. Other restaurants may adopt smaller less expensive spaces with focus on technology enabled delivery and pick-up services.
History has generally proven that after a crisis, there comes change, mostly for the better. I think it creates unique opportunities for people and organizations to rethink the possibilities of a safer and smarter future. It has also enabled people to be more family oriented, have a greater sense of gratitude and not take stuff for granted, have more empathy, think differently about healthcare and other front-line professionals that are risking their lives to support everyone else in such a crisis. Let us continue to stay strong, practice safe habits and be positive... a brilliant future is ahead of us.
However, there are many positive outcomes that come to my mind. Nobody has the crystal ball to predict exactly what life will look like post COVID-19. We human beings are social creatures by nature and would love to be back with family, friends, and colleagues soon. This pandemic is reshaping an entire generation. My curious mind wonders…what does the “New Normal'' look like?Work from home
Organizations are recognizing great benefits of leveraging the underutilized digital technologies they already own. In other cases, businesses who were contemplating adoption of digital technologies, have figured it to be a no-brainer. Many organizations can get work done with remote employees and in several cases the productivity has increased. Collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Slack, have now become the backbone of effective operations and means of doing business. There is no more time wasted for work commutes, cafeteria and hallway chats, expensive rental space, etc. With all the cost savings and increased productivity companies are going to rethink who really needs to be in the office space. Organizations are likely to embrace work from home culture a lot more.
Coexistence of humans and robots
Not all work can be done from home. Several factories and warehouses were forced to shut down to protect their employees, while those that are essential struggled to prevent outbreaks. Companies are exploring how robots can enable us to continue manufacturing while maintaining social distancing. Can automation help us better prepare for future pandemics and minimize economic crisis? I believe we are heading fast into a society where next generation robots boosted with rich AI will be working with humans side-by-side. This pandemic has become a catalyst for automation, robotics and AI initiatives.
Flexibility and employee satisfaction
Employees working remote can be anywhere and still get the job done. This gives them flexibility and extra hours if they need to work on stuff longer in the evenings or early morning to keep up with deadlines. Many meeting outcomes can be equally accomplished over the phone and video conferences. I foresee a significant reduction in business travel, saving dollars and giving work flexibility. Increased family time leads to happier employees, which is reflected in increased productivity.
Cleaner environment
Nationwide and regional lockdowns are helping dramatically drop the level of nitrogen dioxide pollution ever recorded in countries like Italy, China, and India. This trend should give us a reason to reflect on the impact human activity has on our lovely planet. Innovations like biofuel and efficient electric-powered aircraft might get accelerated. Do we really need all that travel and what type of vehicles should we use? People are likely to be cognizant about the personal carbon footprint they create.
Diversification and online commerce
Countries where tourism is the primary contributor to their GDP will have to accelerate creation of other industries less based on physical displacement. There is already a significant rise in welcoming and accepting online commerce by all generations. Businesses that were reluctant to do so have to rethink their approach as customers probably will be less inclined to visit or shop at crowded places. Similarly, businesses that were only focused on a physical location and in-person experience, must explore the innovative digital experience possibilities.
Healthcare reform
In addition to an economic crisis, COVID-19 has also created a healthcare crisis. Shortages in doctors, medical staff, testing facilities, hospital beds, force patients to leverage an out-of-network facility. This creates affordability questions in countries like the USA, related to surprise medical bills when patients must receive treatment from an out-of-network provider. There are still a huge number of Americans who have no insurance at all. Are we going to see a significant increase in the insurance premiums next year? Policy makers are likely to evaluate and implement new approaches to handle such public health emergency situations. Major healthcare systems have already begun to develop telemedicine services, I think we will see an accelerated implementation of such practices infused with innovative intelligent healthcare solutions.
Delivery takeout and drop off services
Restaurant business has taken a huge hit and people are figuring that they can still have restaurant food at home safely and it saves time. Many people would probably want to continue with that practice. Does this mean there would be fewer dine-in restaurants? Maybe it leads to having only high-end restaurants that create a unique dining experience. Other restaurants may adopt smaller less expensive spaces with focus on technology enabled delivery and pick-up services.
History has generally proven that after a crisis, there comes change, mostly for the better. I think it creates unique opportunities for people and organizations to rethink the possibilities of a safer and smarter future. It has also enabled people to be more family oriented, have a greater sense of gratitude and not take stuff for granted, have more empathy, think differently about healthcare and other front-line professionals that are risking their lives to support everyone else in such a crisis. Let us continue to stay strong, practice safe habits and be positive... a brilliant future is ahead of us.
