We thank you for your positive comments on Issue #6, which addressed the issue of Resilience. Before we delve into the topic of this week, we take a minute to stand in solidarity with the family of George Floyd and all who face systemic racism, discrimination and disregard for black lives. We hope that just as COVID-19 has irreversibly changed our lives all over the world, that George Floyd’s murder will serve as the catalyst to lead to a worldwide dismantling of systemic racism and discrimination and lead to respect for black lives and all lives facing racism and discrimination. This week we explore the topic, “Work and Business Post COVID-19.”
In the Caribbean, though we are not COVID-19-free, and we may not be COVID-19-free for a while, many of the restrictions imposed in March 2020, to curb its spread, have been lifted and almost every sector has been re-opened for business. In some countries, schools remain closed, while learning and teaching take place online. As companies begin planning for work Post COVID-19, several factors need to be taken into consideration, as they will be returning from different starting points. Some companies are deemed essential services and continued operations throughout the COVID-19 lockdowns and curfews. Some companies were able to shift all of their operations remotely and continued delivering services. Others found it impossible to move their operations offline and so closed for the period, yet others moved services remotely and were available to serve, however, the customers were not available to be served, and so found themselves closed defacto.
In these circumstances, William Arthur Ward’s [1] sentiments appear relevant. He observes that “The Pessimist complains about the wind; the Optimist expects it to change; the Realist adjusts the sails.” Companies need to be “Realists,” in preparing for life Post COVID-19, for irrespective of what starting point they find themselves in, they have to make adjustments in their operations and services if they are to survive and thrive.
We have examined some of the impacts of COVID-19 in previous issues, however, those lists were and are not exhaustive. The International Maritime Organisation,[2] identified the following impacts and lessons from COVID-19:
- Less resistance to change to new methods of working
- All projects and initiatives involving digitalization now have the highest priorities.
- More support from the government and digitalization of processes in the supply chain, particularly administrative ones.
- Existing and new digital services become a priority.
- Remote work of employees can be more productive.
- Remote operation of business systems (PCS, SW, etc.) is critical for business continuity.
- Video conferences and online meetings have proved useful tools as a substitute for face-to-face meetings.
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