Corona proved to be a digitalization Kickstarter for many companies. Within a very short time, those responsible had to create concepts to continue functioning without an office presence. However, the end is not yet here, with the new infections subsiding and normality returning. Companies are now challenged to reduce unnecessary costs in the face of the uncertain future and, at the same time, provide a higher level of efficiency that equally meets customer needs - also given a looming second wave of infections.
While the current situation is constraining companies and employees to an unprecedented degree, it also ruthlessly reveals the degree to which companies are digitizing. At the same time, many are experiencing for the first time the advantages that digitalized processes can have in everyday working life. Those who cannot get on a train or plane for several hours to hold a meeting are now realizing that video conferencing tools are often an almost equivalent alternative. At the same time, former home office skeptics are just learning that a blanket home office policy differs from the company coming to a standstill.
At the same time, for many, a glimpse of the advantages of fully digitized processes is opening up for the first time. Where many used to stick to pen and paper for a long time because they were in the office anyway, they now realize how much more efficient it would be if all documents were already available in a digitalized form and could be processed further with a few mouse clicks using the appropriate tools. The advantages of cloud applications and remote access to important company files are also opening up to managers and workers alike.
The intricate cut in everyday work has suddenly and unexpectedly shifted the priorities of the digitalization strategy. Whereas before Corona, innovation and digitalization were happily treated as stepmotherly, suddenly, it was vital to keep productivity going. As the first wave subsides, the situation is consolidating. Companies have realized that employees can be productive from home while workforces slowly and conditionally return to the desk. In the face of an uncertain economic future, digitalization measures are being explored more.
This marks the beginning of the next phase, where the focus shifts from maintaining and restoring productivity. Changing customer needs are now coming to the fore. Consumers have become accustomed to delivery services, online concerts, and video conferencing in recent weeks and months. Digital devices have become more of a window to the world than ever before, creating a greater awareness of digital settlements.
Just as companies are increasingly exploring whether to cancel an expensive business trip in favor of video conferencing, the public is also becoming less willing to take unnecessary steps backward and use analog services that are no longer up to date. For companies, this means bringing their services to customers without unnecessary risk of infection and increasingly digitally to meet the new expectation. At the same time, due to the expected economic pressure, it is essential to achieve maximum efficiency gains in all areas. Customer service, counseling sessions, office visits, and contracting would be best suited to move from face-to-face interactions to digitized processes. In this way, innovation and health go hand in hand.