Elite Group Founder, Matt Newing, Discusses Business After the Coronavirus Restrictions Are Lifted.

As we move ever closer to ‘normality, it’s safe to say that elements of the business world will be irrevocably changed by the coronavirus pandemic. Many aspects of the way we work and live have already changed and continue to do so as we navigate our way through the crisis, affecting our companies, employees, and wider society as a whole.

 

So how will the business world emerge from the crisis? Some lessons from the pandemic will no doubt continue to be relevant in the brave new business world.

 

Technology Will Continue to Lead the Way

When coronavirus hit, many businesses adapted as rapidly as they could, and I’ve been amazed and impressed at how remote working has been embraced. I’ve been fortunate enough to see this first-hand through my own technology and communications holdings. The take up of collaboration and teamwork platforms has been incredible, with millions of people across the globe now communicating via video chat and working together using the various collaborative tools available on the market.

With everything from work meetings to television interviews now carried out over video calling platforms like Teams and Zoom, it’s hard to envision a time when in-person meetings will become the standard again. The convenience, flexibility and versatility of this technology mean video meetings will no doubt continue to be the go-to choice for businesses in a post-coronavirus world, particularly for international companies or remote working positions.

Making sure these systems work for businesses, employees and customers to improve communication, productivity and teamwork is the key. The major tech companies have been working tirelessly to ensure their products are more robust and effective for larger scale business use. It’s one of the big positives to come from the pressure put on communication systems- new innovations and tech have been achieved in an incredibly short period of time which will no doubt continue to benefit us when restrictions are slowly lifted.

This spotlight has seen teamworking platforms go from a clunky system sometimes used in the boardroom to sophisticated applications that are almost powering entire workforces as they continue to work, communicate and collaborate from home, maintaining an almost business as usual approach.

 

Remote Working Opportunities Are Here to Stay

It’s inevitable that many of the people working from home across the globe won’t return to an office environment; both employees and business owners see the benefits of retaining the status quo. Employees will be able to retain greater flexibility within their job roles, whilst businesses will continue to see the current economic and productivity benefits of having staff work remotely.

When will everyone feel safe enough to return to an office environment? The pressure on Governments across the planet to return to work is mounting day by day, not only is there economic anxiety but people are getting restless after being confined for so long. However, when the green light is given there are many employees that may not feel comfortable enough to return to their normal working environment for some time. Luckily for many, because of the communications systems that have been implemented, a return to work can be drawn out further to maintain the safety and wellbeing of employees.

Many business sectors don’t have the luxury and benefits of unified communications, nevertheless technology is also available to help a return to work with adapted safety protocols. Not only will there be the obvious use of social distancing, face masks and sanitisation, but advanced tech via the use of thermal imaging will allow businesses with high footfall and large employee bases to maintain safer workplaces.

 

Powering Teamwork Will Continue to Be Essential

Unified Communication systems have an endless supply of benefits and tools to optimise teamwork and productivity. Even competing businesses are collaborating to maintain continuity of workflow in order to remain trading. The rapid expansion of communication systems and the resulting stress test has shown how they can adapt and change to suit businesses across all industry sectors.

Business communication will always be evolving and improving. The challenge for businesses is to keep up with this evolution. Retaining an experienced communications provider is the best way to keep on top of the constant changes and updates. The cost benefits far out way the challenges of maintaining an in-house communication system, considering how quickly things have changed in the past few months.

Teamwork is the key to enhanced productivity and collaboration unlocks the potential for greater group efficiencies with improved communication; they all go hand in hand. Allowing employees the opportunity to work effectively together as a unified team has a variety of spin-offs. Not only do businesses gain improved productivity and healthier bottom lines but they also maintain a happier healthier workforce that is engaged and motivated.

 

A Light at the End of the Tunnel

There is always light at the end of every tunnel and while many aspects of business life will be changed forever, they were inevitably going to change down the track. The pandemic simply accelerated this timeline. I encourage everyone to embrace the changes; remote working benefits businesses and employees alike. There will be new and exciting jobs emerging from the rapid changes in communications and I look forward to seeing where they come from and how they grow.

In the end, as we emerge from this crisis, it will be an entirely new landscape for business – what that will look like is anybody’s guess. But we all have a part to play in making the new business world a much more efficient, brighter, happier and safer place. I would like to think we can all achieve an environment that benefits the entire global community, not just economically but socially as well.

Elite Group hopes to lead by example in this. We have a variety of solutions for unified comms, hosted desktops and collaboration that provide the technology you need to embrace genuine change in your business.

 

Matt Newing is a self-made entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist who’s always on the lookout for the latest and greatest business opportunities. If you have a business that needs taking to the next level, get in touch with Matt today.