What a year 2020 has been! A year of unprecedented change, unlearning, relearning, and refocus. It has been exhausting, to say the least (sigh). The Covid-19 pandemic was the source of much unpredictability experienced in this past year (and likely will this year). At this point, we’re all looking towards the new year for a fresh start and return to normalcy. While this new year may offer a fresh start, it cannot guarantee a return to normalcy. One thing is certain – the Covid-19 pandemic will transform the way we live for the long-term, creating a NEW normal.
The challenges posed by this pandemic has prompted large-scale social and behavioural changes. The way we work, do business, even our lives at home, has changed. Yet, amidst all this transformation, is a silver lining – Covid-19 may be propelling us towards a more sustainable future.
This is how…
Business Unusual
New business models
In a time when there’s always somewhere to go or something to do, but oh so little time, this global pandemic has managed to slow us down. With mass stay-at-home orders in most countries and increasing concern for health and safety, businesses have had to adapt to changing behaviour, and consumer demands, causing new business models to emerge.
In seeking to minimize direct consumer contact and improve convenience, we have seen a wide-spread shift from “in-person” to virtual contact with consumers. Many businesses have been seen drifting away from the old “brick and mortar” model and gravitating to the increased online presence (stores). Also, pick-up and delivery services have been growing more and more in importance as a business strategy for many retailers. Many companies have quickly added these features, while others have significantly ramped up in response to COVID-19 measures.
New product lines
Businesses are also repurposing their product lines to provide highly demanded consumer essentials during this pandemic, for example, face masks now being mass-produced by seamstresses and hand sanitizers now being produced by distilleries. In the photo below, you can see the hand sanitizer produced by one of the Caribbean’s leading rum producers, Angostura, in response to the initial shortage during the onset of the pandemic. Adjusting to changes in demand has helped several businesses, both large and small, to stay afloat and retain their employees, even as demand for their regular products may have waned during the pandemic.
Photo courtesy www.angostura.com
In response to the global pandemic, businesses are becoming more resilient. With less real estate and more virtual presence, they can use resources more efficiently, while enjoying cost savings. By focusing on customer convenience, their business becomes more attractive. Further, the introduction of new product lines enhances diversity and minimizes risk. The crisis created by COVID-19 has encouraged businesses to engage in more long-term planning and become more cognizant of their activities.
A new world of work
Flexible workplace arrangements (FWAs) – the new normal.
At my current workplace where I work as a researcher, I’m required to be at the office Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. I’ve always felt that all I need to do my job was a laptop and some good WiFi (which I got at home) so why do I need to be at the office every day? Thanks to Covid-19, my employer is starting to ask the same question.
This pandemic has increased flexible workplace arrangements (FWAS) as many are now forced to re-assess tasks and identify those which can either be performed remotely, with less staff or in fewer hours. This was largely brought about by state-imposed social distancing measures. From remote working, condensed workweeks, to staff rotations, FWAs are becoming the new normal, with a focus now placed on outcomes, not time.
Organisations have long been urged to explore FWAs as a means of promoting sustainable development, as it reduces commuting and travel emissions, lowers office expenses, reduces waste and pollution. Further, the increased trust and autonomy given to employees boosts morale, and this may increase productivity. After experiencing these benefits, it may be difficult to return to the status quo.
Increased digitization
With social distancing measures in place, organisations are better able to reduce their impact on the environment. Documents are increasingly being shared digitally, reducing paper use and waste, while virtual meetings and training sessions are reducing travel costs and emissions, and increasing time savings.
Employee health and safety at the forefront
Exposure to COVID-19 may present a health risk to workers and other persons at the workplace. Employers are advised to keep up with the latest public health advice and implement suitable control measures to ensure the health and safety of persons in the workplace. These measures include temperature checks, increased sanitization of workspaces, and in some instances, the provision of masks and gloves. Employers should also encourage good hygiene practices, such as frequent hand washing and respiratory etiquette among employees. These measures will not only help to mitigate against effects of the virus but will also promote good overall health and well-being among workers over the long term.
Home sweet… salon/restaurant/market?!
Bulk Buying
Even the way we live at home has been altered. Bulk buying (some would say panic-buying) has become the new normal for household shopping since the onset of the pandemic. Although some have been indulging in unnecessary hoarding for fear of shortages, the widespread shift to bulk buying can have significant benefits for households.
Households can now reduce the number of trips they make to the supermarket thus reducing fuel use and travel emissions. Purchasing in large quantities also allow for money savings, as well as a reduction in waste due to less packaging.
Rise in DIY
Several media outlets around the world have reported a rise in DIY – from homemade beauty treatments, food preparation, to fixes around the house. With the closure of several businesses and loads of free time on our hands, many of us have taken to YouTube to learn a new skill or FIVE!! (Heck, I may never go back to my hairdresser).
Home and kitchen gardens are also becoming ever more popular as perceived and real shortages of fresh food persist during this crisis. Persons also view this as a way to minimize “risky” trips to the grocery store. Households can benefit significantly by growing some of the food they eat. They can now enjoy fresher (and probably healthier) produce while realizing money savings and enhancing food security for their families. Not to mention, this has always been a fun hobby for me.
More Efficient Use of Resources
Many have now been forced to use our resources at home more efficiently – be it to minimize supermarket trips or due to shortages that have, or may occur. Many of us have witnessed empty toilet paper shelves, particularly at the onset of the pandemic. This has driven us to ration what we have and minimize waste.
For many, life since the COVID-19 pandemic has been like a perpetual swim in a sea of uncertainty. For others, a time of despair and tragedy. However, as we approach a “new normal” in a post-COVID era, we can choose to let this pandemic represent a period of growth and reset. In this new normal, sustainable living is in. Businesses, workplaces, and households have become more mindful of all their activities. The transformation brought on by this pandemic can help shape a more sustainable future for us if we continue with the more efficient habits adopted, and improve our impact on the environment.
