In March of 2020, the entire world began falling under the grip of COVID-19. This virus changed the way we work, live, and interact across the United States and the world.
What also changed that not many were aware of was how businesses changed their working partnerships.
Many places of business were forced to either close down or go remote.
Field representatives who were used to scouring their territory and talking face-to-face with potential customers had to adapt to Zoom meetings or work strictly by phone and email.
These subtle changes then trickled into nearly every industry across the country.
These changes found their way into every business, from the hospitality industry into the legal field.
Whether you were considering filing a class-action lawsuit, meeting with counsel to discuss concerns, or going out to eat, you had to adapt to the “new normal.”
Here, we’ll discuss how businesses have been coping with COVID-19, and how you can adapt as well.
Legal Fields
Traditionally, you’d be able to meet up with your lawyer or counsel in person to discuss your concerns and affairs.
This was made difficult when all businesses were forced to adopt social distancing guidelines.
Though many of the initial guidelines have been relaxed as of mid-2021, some law firms are still practicing social distancing and using business tools in order to do so.
Meetings by Zoom, Facetime, and Skype have made it possible for people to still conduct legal affairs, meet with counsel and even show up in court remotely.
So, whether you’re planning on filing a lawsuit against a major pharmaceutical company, or needing to finalize your divorce, chances are you’ll still be using one of these remote tools to do so.
Business
Businesses across the country had to adapt to social distancing guidelines as well, no matter how small or large.
This gave rise to remote work, a trend that was already becoming more popular in recent years, but now, since the pandemic, it’s become much more of a trend.
Businesses are utilizing remote employee monitoring software such as time clock software, private login keys, keystroke counting software, and remotely accessing an employee’s laptop camera.
Additionally, businesses are figuring out that they save money by having their employees work remotely.
Energy consumption for business space is nearly cut in half without any employees in the office, and keeping better track of employees and work progress has been made easier through software applications.
Through the partnership of business and technology, we’re now seeing intricate changes that are most likely here to stay for the foreseeable future.
Hospitality
If you did any traveling during the height of the pandemic, you probably had to adhere to the new policies regarding visiting a restaurant or a hotel.
This involved wearing masks, using sanitizer, and not gathering in groups larger than 5 or 6 people at most venues.
Pools were closed, along with nearly all public gathering spaces. Additionally, most restaurants had to shut down entirely or allow only curbside and take-out options.
When guidelines were slightly relaxed, however, numerous hospitality industry venues saw an increase in revenue like never before.
People who were ready to get out of the house came out in droves, and this put a great strain on the limited seating guidelines that most restaurants had in place.
In fact, though most small, local hospitality venues took a loss, larger more well-funded establishments in states with less COVID restrictions reported higher than average earnings for the summer of 2020.
Moving Forward
Now that we’re in the waning stages of the pandemic and vaccination efforts are in full swing, most people are venturing out more.
Nearly every industry is reporting an increase in patronage, and people are less worried about going out in public. But, that doesn’t mean we should all let our guard down completely.
Take advantage of remote opportunities if possible, and educate yourself on the technology available which allows you to conduct your daily personal and business affairs without worrying about coming into contact with the virus.
These trends (established during the pandemic) are most likely here to stay.
Once more businesses become aware of the cost-cutting advantage of going remote and utilizing remote technology, you’ll be ahead of the game if you start learning about it now.
And, you’ll keep yourself and your family safer by doing so.
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