Back to Work: Navigating the Turbulent Waters of the Covid-19 Pandemic!

Over these past few months, American’s have been asked to change the way we do business in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Working from home has become common for those who are lucky enough to be considered “non-essential” but still have a job. As a result, technology has taken on an even greater level of importance as home offices became virtual meeting places. 

What would have been impossible 20 years ago is made easier now because of the monumental advances in technology that have created remote links to keep us connected (https://www.bluefountainmedia.com/blog/impact-covid-19-future-technology). Zoom and Skype have seen a significant uptick and usage, as have tools like Google Docs, Dropbox, and other cloud-based repositories of digital data. The world is smaller thanks to technology, and we are now better prepared for a virtual / remote workplace than at any time in the history of humanity!

During the pandemic, companies have had to adjust their business models in an attempt to keep their employees working and their profits growing. The first and most obvious technology that has played a large part in this are the various video conferencing applications. Zoom has become one of the most used video conferencing platforms for businesses alongside other similar services like Skype, and Microsoft teams (https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/04/10-technology-trends-coronavirus-covid19-pandemic-robotics-telehealth/). While not new tech, these video conferencing apps allow for employees to meet face to face without having to physically meet, which is critically important during a time when physical contact has become potentially hazardous. There are also various programs such as Team Viewer which can allow for workers to take some control over another computer remotely to help them with various tasks, or make files accessible that may be stored on a remote sever or hard drive.

While our current technology provides an enormous amount of value, the pandemic has demonstrated that we still have areas that require improvement. Technology is always evolving, and advancements are often the result of a need to change how business is done. 

One of the ways that technology is currently advancing is in internet connectivity speed and access. The next generation of internet connectivity is being installed in the form of 5G wireless (https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-future-of-the-technology-industry-after-covid-19/). The major cellular carriers are currently installing new cell towers all over the world in preparation for this new capability. In addition, tech innovators are always in search of better usability, extended battery life for mobile devices, and next generation solutions for problems that we haven’t even encountered yet. 

As we develop new ways of dealing with the challenges being presented by Covid-19, people will become more productive, and companies will adapt to a changing workplace to maintain and grow their business instead of wilting in the face of unprecedented challenge.