The COVID-19 Pandemic has changed the world in a monumental way. As a social species, the virus has forced us to create distance and given rise to the term ‘social distancing’ as the new norm. How long we’ll end up staying at home and working remotely is anyone’s guess? Whatever answer, we still need to continue working.
On the heels of what is being forecast as historical unemployment across the US, UK, and many other countries, people and businesses struggle to keep afloat by working remotely. Working from home, it appears, is the new norm. If we were to look on the bright side of things, working remotely could be an opportunity for many businesses and people alike who would have never explored, had it not been forced upon them.
Opening Us Up to New Possibilities
The lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 virus has had a significantly positive effect on pollution figures. Some estimates suggest that pollution is down by 25% in places that have been in lockdown for over a week. On the other hand, many businesses like eCommerce, social media, online gaming, and related sectors have not suffered job losses. Similarly, many businesses have reported positive growth, even though their employees continue to work from home.
Working from home, according to some estimates, could save businesses, on average, 20% on overhead costs. Office rent, electricity, water, and cleaning all cost money, but when your employees are working remotely, businesses save.
While the above-mentioned suggestion is that all businesses can go online and their employees can work from home, the fact is that many can’t. Sure, barbers, hairdressers, beauticians, dentists, doctors and medical staff, nursery practitioners, hotel managers and staff, as well as those in the airline industry, can’t work from home.
However, it is now being proven that teachers, professors, programmers, writers, online marketers, and even personal trainers can all operate from home.
The transition from Offline to Online
The post-COVID-19 world is going to be very different. Businesses and individuals would have discovered and adapted to a new way of working and, albeit, a better, more cost-effective way. Many businesses may decide to allow employees to work remotely, which will result in less rush hour traffic, lower levels of smog in cities, and lower overhead for businesses.
Businesses that can’t transition entirely to an online, i.e., the remote business model, will, at the very least, do their best to transition a part of it. That in itself would require thinking out of the box.
Adapting to Different Languages and Cultures
As businesses transition to an entirely or partially online model, they will have to go global too. Online businesses are inherently global, after all. However, post COVID-19, the emphasis will increase on being able to target new markets, and that will require localized websites.
Translation services will be required for businesses to not just sell their services or products across international borders but to hire too. If anything, the COVID-19 virus would end up bringing the world closer, and that will make working remotely more exciting while being culturally enriching.
Ya-Hub Group supports all its workers and clients. Follow all Government Covid guidelines and keep safe.
Inda Valero, Team Ya-Hub Group.