There's no doubt that the fallout from Covid-19 will affect how we live and work for a long time to come. The economic impact and the way it's changed our lifestyles are as far reaching as the health outcomes. That's not to say it's all bad, or at least it doesn't have to be.
The post-COVID economy
Now that the strict blanket lockdown is over for now there's a lot of talk about how to bounce back, and we are being encouraged to get out there and enjoy life (safely).
With a lot of people still part of a government job retention scheme and many others newly redundant, that's easier said than done. While millions of households face a less financially secure immediate future, there is no doubt that some industries are busier than ever!
Now we are seeing the entire UK relying on the third sector to help adapt to life throughout the pandemic.
Digitisation
Digitisation was already a major global trend but Covid pushed its relevance into overdrive. Global consultancy firm McKinsey estimates the business world has jumped forward five years in the last six months in this respect.
It hasn't always been easy - we all know someone who still can't work the mute button on Zoom and the working day definitely feels longer now - but it has made us more agile and flexible, and taught companies how to implement change quickly.
That can only be a good thing when it comes to helping people access services like social housing. Providers can be online, offering contact and services when they're needed, not just in the standard 9 to 5. Companies now have the infrastructure to work smoothly with teams remotely in a way they didn't always before, and to top it off the service users should feel the benefit!
Inclusivity has improved too. Remote working and digital access to services benefits people living with disabilities and those with families.
Skills and employment
Sourdough starters and banana bread bakers became a trend very early in lockdown and for some people it really was a great time to try new things.
Others kept their heads above water by packing in work, homeschooling and looking after families and finances. However, time away from the merry go round of normal life was a good time to pause and consider what jobs and sectors will be strong after Covid-19 and how to move into them.
Being furloughed provided time to look at re-training and finding expert help to kickstart a job search if it becomes necessary.
How has housing fared?
While it has been a tough time for the housing sector, there is recognition that going forward there will need to be investment.
While the government initially made a short-term solution to extend its ban on evictions, the long-term goal must be more money ploughed into local councils, charities and social housing. Especially if more people will come to rely upon them.
Life after COVID might feel less like bouncing back and more like a slow uphill climb, but there are people out there who are striving for a better future and working towards turning crisis into opportunity.
If you’d like to be part of a workforce making changes for good, speak to us about your career options.
