What next?

With the gradual path back to 'freedom' in sight, it's likely to be a very different world that we'll be living in.

The events of the last few weeks have enforced changes - but some of these changes have positive outcomes that may last long after lockdown is over. While we don't have a hotline to Number 10, we can see the reactions of many of our clients and the wider business community. These are a few of our predictions:

Now larger organisations have discovered that people can work from home and still be effective, there'll be much more flexibility for staff. 

There are benefits for both company and individuals. The company can reduce the need for large areas of expensive, inner city office space and the need for travel expenses to be covered or allowances for season tickets to help their staff get to work.

For individuals they'll eliminate commuting time, giving them a better work-life balance and time to spend with loved ones, do the school run, attend football practice etc. Being able to start earlier, take breaks and work more flexibly is likely to improve productivity.

Online conferencing has transformed how we meet and, while nobody wants to spend all day in front of a computer with a headset on, it may have a substantial long-term impact on how meetings work. If you can have an online meeting instead of driving for an hour each way - and get back to work more quickly - your productivity will go up, that's two hours working instead of sitting in traffic - and good for the bottom line as well as the individual's stress levels.

There's also an ongoing effect on the environment. Fewer journeys equals less carbon emissions - a big tick for companies who embrace online meetings in their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) box!

Now many more people have been consciously exercising, rediscovering bikes in their garage, encouraging people to cycle to work (if possible) will get a whole lot easier. Another big tick in the CSR box, plus improved health and fitness for the employees. 

As so many people have enjoyed the birdsong and wildlife that has become more apparent with less traffic - this new appreciation of a quieter world may also influence people to use their cars more thoughtfully.

Staggered working times and school hours may extend past the 'getting back to normal' as they not only help to reduce the crush on public transport, but also offer parents more flexibility.

Technology has saved many people's sanity - and businesses - many companies have discovered new streams of business, as they have been pushed to be creative in how they earn money. 

The other side of the coin is that families have started talking to each other and going out for walks together. While a few families may have found themselves going crazy being trapped with their nearest and dearest, many more have relished rediscovering family life, with less dependency on devices for entertainment. That can only be good for mental health - and that's good for everyone.