When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in the spring of 2020, countless businesses had to suddenly adjust what they were doing and find new ways to work and/or offer new products and services.
While business owners likely assumed things would return to normal once the pandemic became under control, it seems at least some of the changes that took place during 2020 may stick around a bit longer. Additionally, many companies may embrace new policies and ways of doing things, again because of the pandemic’s influence.
With that in mind, here are some current business trends that are either holdovers from 2020 or are directly inspired by the pandemic:
1. Businesses Will Add a Vaccination Policy
Now that the COVID-19 vaccine is becoming more widely available, experts predict businesses will need to create a policy regarding vaccine requirements. Business owners must decide if they will require, strongly recommend, and/or incentivize their employees to get immunized. Those who are unsure about the legality of such a policy should reach out to a local attorney for help.
2. Essential Workers Will Continue to Be Heroes
Prior to COVID-19, most people probably didn’t give a lot of thought to which jobs are “essential.” But after living through a global pandemic for more than a year, everyone is well aware of the concept of essential workers and how they are benefiting communities at-large every single day. This appreciation for doctors, nurses, grocery store workers, teachers and plumbers will continue well into 2021 and beyond. In the case of plumbers, Morsco is proud to stand with essential workers and is committed to assisting customers at all hours of the day.
3. Working from Home Will Still be a Thing
When COVID-19 reared its ugly head last spring, many businesses shifted to part-time or full-time remote work schedules. While this was initially challenging for many who were suddenly trying to do their job from makeshift workstations and environments, over time things smoothed out for many of us. In fact, the U.S. Small Business Association predicts remote work will continue to persist throughout 2021 and possibly longer.
Additionally, business owners who don’t currently offer telecommuting as an option may wish to consider it in order to compete for talented employees who want to work from home. To help make this a reality, more and more businesses are expected to embrace and invest in more technology and other necessities to ensure their employees have what they need to successfully work from home.
4. Virtual Businesses Will Continue to Be Popular
One interesting byproduct of the pandemic is people realizing that more things in life — from work and school to game nights and happy hours — can be done virtually versus in-person. Prior to the spring of 2020, most people would likely have insisted on seeing their doctor in-person, heading to the gym for a workout, or meeting with their boss face to face. As many found out firsthand, though, that’s not always necessary. From telemedicine and virtual fitness classes to Zoom work meetings, 2020 showed us that we don’t always have to leave home to get what we need. Businesses that offer these virtual services as an option are expected to continue to be in high demand in 2021.
2021 Promises to be an Interesting Year
Clearly, the pandemic has impacted businesses of all stripes in a myriad of ways. As 2021 picks up steam, many COVID-related trends will continue and/or be added to companies, which, in turn, should help them to thrive as the year chugs along.
