There was a time when an end to the coronavirus pandemic seemed like a distant possibility. Today, vaccines have been rolling out and the world is taking on a much more hopeful tone. Everyone is looking forward to the day when things go back to normal.
The truth is, however, life and business may not return to normal even post-COVID. The many months of adjusting to the “new normal” have already changed how businesses work. We will likely keep living with these changes even when mass vaccination gives us a sense of normalcy again.
Going Digital Is a Must
According to Ryan Pirkle of FFW, the disruption caused by the virus has brought about a significant shift in the adoption of technology. Pirkle reports that the digital experience has now, more than ever, become a vital factor in attracting customers. Those who do not see this as inevitable will end up lagging behind in a post-pandemic world.
The sustained emphasis on the digital space has made a company’s marketing practices all the more important. If you haven’t already, now is the time to invest in a good marketing strategy to remain relevant among competition.
Hire a creative marketing agency to make your digital presence more dynamic and engaging for your customers. An agency will have the expertise to analyze your market, point out the gaps, and diversify your content according to audience preferences.
The digitalization of business has affected more than how companies produce online content. Thanks to digital advancements, automation and the increased adoption of machinery has decreased the cost of these technologies.
While digitalization can at first seem like a threat to employment, it can also be an opportunity to create more jobs. The digital transformation paves the way for more business expansions. These, then, can create new jobs for more people, especially in online platforms.
People Remain the Priority
“There has never been a better moment to close the digital divide, to invest in infrastructure and skills, and to connect all of humanity so that everyone, regardless of gender, age or race, can benefit from the opportunities enabled by digital technologies,” says Arnold Gurría, secretary general of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, of the pandemic.
While ramping up digital solutions allows businesses to stay visible, people remain at the core of success. By investing in people—that is, both employees and customers—companies can stay on top of their game.
Earn consumer trust.
Customers respond well to empathy. Businesses are all eager to sell their products and services again, but how you relate with them will set you apart.
Don’t underestimate your customers’ ability to recognize inauthenticity, either. Understand what they are experiencing and respond with optimism and sincerity. A genuine approach will keep them interested and make you more trustworthy in the long run
It also goes without saying that easing restrictions still requires observation of safety protocols. Make sure your staff and your customers follow these guidelines strictly, and inform your customers that their safety is still your business’s priority.
Accommodate the needs of your employees.
Almost a year later, it is clear that remote work is not anymore just a temporary arrangement for most businesses. Many workplaces are adapting a hybrid setup, in which employees will go on a rotation of working from home and then the office. Many prefer this, as it allows flexibility that the pandemic had previously restricted.
Keep remote work provisions available to your employees to allow them to comfortably work in such a structure. This may mean keeping your subscriptions to conference call apps or optimizing tasks through applicable project management tools.
Hybrid work has also brought about a shift to hiring contingent workers, or independent contractors, who join your team on a per-project basis. This has proven to be a cost-effective measure that allows greater flexibility in managing employees. Thanks to the pandemic, many workers also prefer this arrangement, as the demand allows it to be more lucrative than a full-time job.
As an employer, your role is to also look out for your staff’s mental and physical welfare while maintaining workplace productivity. Make sure that your company leadership is aligned in this responsibility, and adjust any policies according to the needs of your employees. Communicate these changes clearly to your team so that they understand that their needs are accounted for.
Giving importance to your company’s human capital will hasten its growth in the post-pandemic setting. As you innovate business operations moving forward, remember that more than a curated and customer-friendly digital experience, your practices must also reflect how much you value your consumers and employees.
