Bill Gates is widely credited with having predicted the pandemic induced global meltdown we are now experiencing back in 2015. He is also quoted as having said that, “We always overestimate the change that will occur in the next two years and underestimate the change that will occur in the next ten”. It seems that the reality of Gates’ predicted global pandemic is challenging his observation of the ‘normal’ rate of change. The last five months have created a foundation of behavioural change that would otherwise have taken 6 years. And the common thread of these changes is one of sustainability.
From radically reduced travel and resultant improved air quality, to the ‘panic’ buying of seedlings and bread-makers, individuals, workforces and communities have made changes that will alter the way we live and work for generations. We have seen large workforces operating remotely almost overnight, accelerating a change that global technology providers and corporates had been gradually evolving to year on year. Businesses have changed their product lines; health providers have discovered that barriers to remote care were perception and ingrained behaviours rather than reality; and customers’ adoption of on-line channels has accelerated like never before. We now have communities, employers, governments and industry bodies in a state of open-mindedness beyond anything we’ve seen this century.
This pandemic has brought enormous economic and social hardship, but these changes present an opportunity for brave businesses to thrive, achieving new levels of employee and customer engagement by building on the behaviour changes, using this new open-mindedness and orientating a new path around sustainability.
The question now is how to build on the momentum and resist the gravitational pull of the status quo.
Focus on community
With so many households, businesses and communities adversely affected by the pandemic, now is the time to continue focussing on community. Businesses that have survived the past few months relatively unscathed have a responsibility to support those not quite so lucky. One of the upsides of COVID-19 has been the demonstratable ability and willingness of businesses to step up and truly make a difference. Whether it’s been adjusting product lines to manufacture hand sanitiser or PPE, funding research into vaccines, housing the homeless or supporting charities, we now have proof that businesses can do the right thing and can have a tangible positive impact. Now is the time for businesses to seek further opportunities and continue the trajectory. Supporting your community is at the very heart of sustainability.
Focus on local
One of the key factors highlighted by the pandemic is the fragility of international supply chains. With borders closed and overseas factories no longer operating, there have been significant issues for Australian wholesalers and retailers. Australian organisations have been forced to employ more onshore staff to deal with closed call-centres off-shore; retailers have found their products stuck overseas; and raw materials and parts from overseas have held up production chains. Developing a local supply chain reduces this risk, negates the environmental impact of shipping goods from overseas and supports local businesses who may be struggling. Granted, it’s not possible to source all parts and raw materials from Australia, but it’s certainly worth exploring local options where possible.
Eco-friendly online offerings
Thanks to the lockdown measures, consumers have been restricted in leaving their homes to buy products and use services, leading to a huge increase in home delivery and online services. The uptick for the environment has been reduced traffic from people travelling to buy the products and services. Companies should continue to maximise their opportunities for home delivery; with the key for sustainability being to ensure products are delivered with limited packaging, and that wherever possible the packaging is environmentally friendly.
Build engaged, remote workforces
Whilst a number of companies had previously ventured into permitting employees to work from home, others had rallied against making such changes, driven by cost, fear of employee inefficiency or a stubborn unwillingness to change the norm. COVID-19 has forced companies to rethink where their employees work. The CBDs are now ghost towns, and employees are working from their home offices and dining room tables. Whilst the change has been problematic for some (particularly with those with inadequate internet, shared living or confined spaces), many employees have enjoyed the time-saving and family gains arising from working at home. The roads have been quiet and nitrogen levels have reduced. Companies need to assess the positives that have arisen from remote-working and determine how to capitalise on them by reducing hired office space, subleasing and cutting back on services such as lighting, waste collection etc.
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Dr Nicole Richardson is a Director of Engaged Group, helping businesses and schools become more sustainable and inclusive. Engaged Group provides consulting services, workshops, research and recommended suppliers to enable organisations to move forward positively. Contact Engaged Group to find out how we can help you.
www.engagedgroup.com.au
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