How Global Lockdown Is Ushering The World Into A New Era

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As the world collectively heads deeper into a very uncertain period, there has been much discussion around the various aspects of human life – our dependence on job security, our vulnerability to a host of unknown diseases that can silently attack humankind and our need for human connection.

There has, however, been little discussion around the positive outcomes of the almost global lockdown, human resilience, and adaptability. This may well be because it's still too early for most to see beyond the current challenges. Also, much of the future hinges on decision-making both now and in the days to come.

Nevertheless, for those who successfully navigate this period, 2020 will be marked as a year of not only great challenge but also one of unprecedented change, when the world advanced to an entirely new state of being during a global lockdown.

The lockdown periods imposed by many governments across the world have facilitated not only a new way of living but working too.

Businesses that were once hesitant about allowing their employees to work remotely due to the perceived negative impact on productivity have had to change this way of thinking rapidly. There has been a global shift as organizations with the capacity to continue via remote working environments have pivoted to remote work to ensure continuity. Traditional banks are arguably one of the slowest moving industries with masses of legacy systems and requirements from risk and compliance angles. Even here there has been some exponential changes with several banks reporting that between 95% - 98% of their employees are working from home — something that would have taken years of change management was suddenly made possible in just one week.

In other organizations where remote work isn't an option, finding ways for their employees to pivot and offer skills, where they are most needed, is the order of the day. This is evident in efforts by Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) supported by the Wallenberg Foundations as well as the U.K.'s Virgin Atlantic and easyJet supported by the U.K. government, whose grounded cabin staff are being trained and deployed to assist on the frontlines. Other companies are repurposing their businesses to help in manufacturing PPE, ventilators, and hand sanitizers.

Across the globe, people and businesses are realizing that change is not only possible but also realistically achievable in far shorter timeframes. Mindsets are shifting to identifying opportunities and acting on them far more rapidly than ever before too. These are factors that will fundamentally change business practices forever.

Changing value systems - focusing on what matters

In trying times, humans have a way of focusing on the things that matter. While the lockdown is wrought with uncertainty, it has given most the time to think and put things into perspective. With workplace competition on hold, it's a little easier for most to consider things that need their attention outside of their careers or that they enjoy without the threat of being left behind.

Focal shifts to non-financial areas of life are increasingly evident. These include the prioritization of family personal lives and aspirations. Google trends show increased searches for terms like baking, gardening and home exercise as people have more time to do the things they enjoy.

On a more macro level, the lockdown is having a significant impact on the environment. Air quality levels in major cities have improved due to slashed greenhouse emissions, which may help to boost progress towards the U.N.'s sustainable development goal on combatting climate change by 2030. Could this, along with growing concern for the wellbeing of the planet, drive investment into renewable energy and technology in the days to come?

Global solidarity

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unprecedented call for global solidarity and it is one that is being answered.

On the global stage, we are seeing massive humanitarian efforts underway as the United Nations agencies and various other non-governmental organizations mobilize their resources to assist the vulnerable. Medical research teams are sharing their findings and information.

The World Bank has acted quickly to launch emergency support operations and provide fast-tracked financing. Governments are not only releasing billions in aid to their own countries but are also making efforts to assist harder hit countries. In the EU, France has donated masks and Germany medical equipment to Italy, while the Czech Republic has supplied Italy and Spain with protective suits. Luxembourg has taken in intensive care patients from France.

Solidarity has not been the preserve of governments and global organizations alone. In recent months, social boundaries have melted, and a sense of solidarity has been almost tangible across the world. Millions of people have heeded the call for volunteers, those in imposed lockdowns have sung songs on balconies, applauded, and made noise in appreciation of medical staff and volunteers on the frontlines. Community groups have mobilized to provide local aid and support to the elderly and vulnerable. Children have come together on digital media to sing songs of hope and even personal trainers have devised online workouts to keep people of all ages fit during their time at home. Everyone is doing what they can with what they've got.

As humanity navigates these uncertain times, it is evident that it has been ushered into a new era. Significant challenges undoubtedly lie ahead, but as physical chemist and Nobel laureate, Ilya Prigogine once said, "The future is uncertain… but this uncertainty is at the very heart of human creativity." How we choose to use the uncertainty and creativity is up to us.

This post originally appeared on Francois Botha.

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