The COVID-19 Pandemic has undoubtedly created chaos within and among governments, in the workplace and sadly, even in our homes! This is a normal reaction when there is abrupt change, as in the case of the pandemic. It is not something that is easily accepted. There will always be individuals against, for or even indifferent about any idea. When human lives, jobs and the economy are at stake, the turmoil gets even worse.
On the other hand, the same crisis that we are facing has also strengthened collaboration among governments, business groups and various individuals. Differences were set aside because there is only one enemy – THE PANDEMIC. We are certain that if earlier generations have survived their version of the pandemic, then so can we!
This is the #newnormal. Mother Nature has improved. Industries and business models are changing. Digitization is at its peak.
Looking back for less than a month, these have been the changes that will, in time, be a trip down memory lane.
- Malaysia’s Queen cooking for frontliners
- Global Brands making “social distancing” logos
- Architects and Engineers transforming shipping containers into emergency hospitals
- Rehiring of laid off workers to meet online surge in orders
- Migrants and asylum-seekers given full citizenship
- Free online consultations by volunteer doctors
- Rolling food stores deployed in various areas
- Malasakit kitchen for frontliners
- Farm produce becoming more essential
- Bailing out of arrested protesters
- Teaming up of rivals
- Elected officials donating salaries to support hospitals
- Removal of “sign-up” meetings for online meetings
- Acceleration of banks’ digital plans
- Industries that are profiting and industries that are struggling
- Schools shortening semesters, giving refunds and passing marks
- Cancellation of events
- Robots replacing students during graduation
- Comeback of processed foods and demand of hair dye
- Transformation from restaurants to grocery stores
- “Secret” recipes shared by big brands
- Startup opportunities in spite of the pandemic
- Virtual blessing of couples
- Ensuring mental well-being
- Shift from traditional to digital business
The list will go on and on. But do we really have a choice? No. We need to embrace and adapt to change.
As Charles Darwin once said,
“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change”
FROM DR. DORELENE V. DIMAUNAHAN, MScM, CFE, CMA