The COVID-19 pandemic has had widespread repercussions and is projected to have a lasting impact on our daily experiences. No one, including individuals, entities or industries, has been immune to its effects, with some experiencing more adverse consequences than others.
As the world gradually transitions out of the pandemic, various sectors are poised for significant shifts, driven by factors such as evolving consumer demands, advancements in technology and an altered business environment. In this post, we will delve into some of the noteworthy transformations that are likely to emerge in the near future.
Healthcare.
The medical and healthcare fields are among the sectors that have experienced an acute impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. While health experts are spearheading efforts to thwart the virus, they are encountering several obstacles, such as inadequate resources and an ongoing risk of contracting the disease themselves. Click here to learn more about the challenges faced by healthcare professionals due to outdated technology.
In the wake of the pandemic, there may be a rise in the use of computerized vetting systems that rely on artificial intelligence (AI) to assess patients and determine who needs immediate medical attention, given the added strain on healthcare services. Meanwhile, some individuals may be able to receive medical advice from their doctors through virtual consultations using video calling facilities. Find out more about the potential for superintelligent AI in healthcare by reading our blog article here.
To curb the transmission of the virus, the government is contemplating expanding screenings for influenza and other communicable diseases, as well as establishing more medical facilities and specialized services. Furthermore, there is a focus on enhancing the standard of remote medical care. These endeavours are intended to minimize the potential for virus exposure. Learn more about how the Works team can play a role in both immediate and long-term improvements here.
Schooling
The abrupt shift to remote learning for K-12 and higher education establishments, lacking adequate preparation on the part of both educators and learners, resulted in less-than-ideal outcomes. While online learning has many advantages, the rushed shift failed to maximize its potential.
As the upcoming academic year draws near, educational institutions are weighing various options to effectively address the present circumstances. In particular, many are exploring hybrid learning methods that combine traditional face-to-face instruction with online learning. Meanwhile, some individuals may choose to pursue their entire educational journey in a virtual format.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, e-learning will become a crucial component of education in the future. Teachers must do more than just offer lectures via Zoom to keep their students interested in digital classes. Incorporating video sharing, augmented reality (AR) to provide students with unique experiences, and other related technologies could be effective approaches. As a result, it is vital that educators are trained in using different platforms and devising online classes that run seamlessly.
Defending Against Cyberattacks
The COVID-19 pandemic has coincided with an increase in cybercrime around the world. Cybercriminals have long leveraged the internet to carry out fraudulent activities such as malware attacks, phishing scams, and other types of infiltration. It is therefore crucial for organizations to take additional measures to safeguard their employees and the public. Enhanced security protocols can help prevent cybercrimes and promote safety for all.
In the coming years, businesses will need to increase their investments in cybersecurity. To ensure that their systems remain secure, they must implement a range of measures, some of which are already in use but need to be scaled up. For instance, businesses can provide more comprehensive security training for employees, expand the use of virtual private networks (VPNs), and carry out regular, thorough assessments of all security measures. In order to maintain a robust defence against cyber threats, businesses must adopt these measures without delay.
Focused assaults on corporate systems call for heightened security protocols. Employing specialized experts to conduct thorough system reviews and detect potential vulnerabilities may be necessary. Companies may also opt to engage “ethical hackers” or outsource their cybersecurity functions to find effective solutions. Learn more about the benefits of software outsourcing for different industries in our blog post here.
The Service and Retail Industries
The hospitality and retail sectors have been heavily impacted by the pandemic, resulting in numerous closures and some businesses permanently shutting down. Given the current adversity, companies must devise innovative service delivery methods to prioritize customer safety. Many retailers have persisted during the pandemic by introducing doorstep or curbside collection for various products, such as books, clothing, and food.
Recent events have prompted many companies to reopen their physical stores, leading to a reevaluation of their business strategies. In some cities, ordinances have been imposed to set limits on the number of individuals that can be served at restaurants and bars simultaneously, posing challenges for these companies to operate at full capacity. To address this, some businesses have adopted contactless ordering systems that enable customers to scan a QR barcode to view the menu and place an order without any direct contact.
It is probable that shops will continue to provide curbside pickup as a choice for customers in the near future. Furthermore, ordering apps may gain greater traction, as customers can remotely place orders and collect their purchases with minimal physical interaction with others. Additionally, there is expected to be an increase in the number of online purchases made.
Producing
Throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the fortunes of players in the manufacturing sector have varied greatly. Manufacturers specializing in paper products such as toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies and sanitary napkins have experienced a surge in demand, necessitating a corresponding surge in production. As a result, many manufacturers are now faced with an increase in supply and considering outsourcing some of their support functions.
To address this challenge, factories are integrating digital and physical systems. Businesses can leverage the Internet of Things (IoT) for optimized logistics management and automated control of environmental conditions, such as temperature. Additionally, companies will confront the added challenge of protecting their personnel from the Coronavirus, which likely implies an increased reliance on automation.
Travelling Out of the City
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted travel to a great extent since its onset. The risk of being in close proximity with others has intensified travelers’ concerns, and several countries, including the United States, have imposed restrictions on international travel.
To ensure the safety of passengers, airlines, railroads, and other transportation firms will be implementing stringent measures. These will comprise, among other measures, temperature checks of passengers before boarding and enforcing a policy of wearing mandatory face coverings throughout the duration of the journey.
To incentivize consumers to return, many businesses are anticipated to launch rewards programs, discounts, promotions, and other offers.
The repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic have been pervasive and have disproportionately affected several industries. Going forward, considerable adjustments will likely be necessary in the ensuing months and years. It is improbable that we can revert to pre-pandemic norms as this shift has forced everyone to adapt to new ways of life. Professionals in the pertinent sectors must confront the challenges posed by the virus.
As a new phase unfolds, it simultaneously brings forth challenges and possibilities. It is yet to be determined how well companies will make use of them.
