Coronavirus: Keep Calm - the Future Is Bright

Over the past few weeks, 98% of the emails hitting my inbox has been COVID-19 related content, highlighting the severity of the global crisis that no one could have predicted a couple of months ago. We're right in the middle of a global pandemic, there is panic amongst individuals and organisations, and no one really knows what to do.

This is the biggest crisis we're facing globally in a very long time, perhaps since the financial crisis of '08/'09 and it's one that's impacting all our lives. Many have begun comparing the current crisis to war - it's certainly the closest the present generation has come to a war.

The severity of the situation should not be undermined;"the worst public health crisis for a generation" is how our UK Government is describing the pandemic.

Despite this, the speed at which we've come together and adapted to our new reality has been reassuring.

The advice is for everyone who is able to work remotely from home, to do so. It's been a month now, and things appear to be working very well. Who would have thought that it was possible to onboard new employees into a company virtually? Or to host a pub quiz virtually? It's something I've recently done with my team that was well received. Everyone appeared to be having a lot of fun.

Virtual events are the future. The active user count for virtual networking software such as zoom has soared. Even the UK government have come to adopt this technology and are now holding cabinet meetings via Zoom.

I, like many, believe that once the crisis is over and we're back to "normality" virtual conferences and remote working will remain increasingly common. Employees have come to accept that working from home isn't as daunting as it initially appears and comes with several perks that an office environment is unable to compete with. Wave goodbye to those long and uncomfortable commutes into the office.

Remote working is the future. But this calls to question what would happen to the property market. More remote workers, reduces the need for commercial property space - demand goes down, and the price will follow suit.

Similarly, living in expensive London properties will no longer make sense for those who are working from home. The lure of a sweeter, larger and more comfortable home at a fraction of the price elsewhere in the country may become more appealing to some. Perhaps even somewhere abroad, in an even cheaper Southeast Asian country. A strong internet connection is now the only limiting factor for where you are able to work accross the globe.

This will give added freedom and flexibility to workers, which can only be a positive outcome.

“There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” - C.S. Lewis.

Amidst the uncertainty at the moment, it is convenient to ruminate on the negatives. However, we should remember that we're all in this together and things will get better - it always does.

We can either see this change as a threat or an opportunity and yes - the choice is ours. I've personally decided to see this change an opportunity. For example, I've found myself doing more of the following:

• Running
• Reading/writing
• Learning
• Following my curiosity
• Listening to podcasts
• Volunteering

Now is an excellent time for us to learn a new skill or pick up a new hobby - we may never get this opportunity again. We mustn't neglect our health and wellbeing, especially at this moment in time. So make sure you get enough sleep and are eating a healthy diet. And do make the most of your one outdoor exercise session a day.

And remember, we must follow the Government guidelines at all times to get through this quicker together. #StayHomeSaveLives

Humanity will make it through this crisis, and we would have made it all together.

Stay safe all.

The future is bright.

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