Pandemic has permanently changed our lives — we are yet to fully notice

I feel the pandemic has permanently changed many areas of our lives, and some of these changes are here to stay. Gone are the days when people felt comfortable going into packed cinema houses or visiting the doctor’s office. We now have viable alternatives: OTT platforms and telemedicine! Even commuting to work every single day — which was the norm for decades — is under consideration as employers across the world are seeing a positive side to continuing work from home, for a few days per week at least.

The pandemic has altered our work lives

This is by far the most significant and, seemingly, a permanent change witnessed across the world. And the Middle East is no exception. Businesses that were very strict about office schedules have since accommodated work-from-home. The pandemic has also altered the power dynamics within the workforce, with employees gaining greater agency on how they are treated. Many opt for companies and positions that offer a better work-life balance.

The pandemic has also greatly shifted how people view their career trajectory and choices. I feel “The Great Resignation” in the west is a major concomitant of this viewpoint. In fact, employees are willing to take pay cuts to continue working from home. According to a study, more than half of the employees in the UAE also prefer working from home⁽¹⁾. This is despite research confirming⁽²⁾ that, on average, people are now working at least 48.5 more minutes every day from home.

The UAE’s recently enacted and implemented labour laws also acknowledge the changing dynamics of work. Employers offering white-collar jobs within the country always had a more traditional approach to work. With the UAE’s new labour laws, it’s now official that people can work part-time, obtain temporary work, and can enjoy more overall flexibility.

People still avoid crowded spaces

I still believe that, despite the world opening up and things getting back to normal, it will be a long time before people feel comfortable with large indoor crowds, especially in cinemas, clubs, or standing-room-only concerts. The UAE recently announced the removal of the mask⁽³⁾ in open and outdoor spaces, but wearing the mask is still compulsory in indoor spaces.

People have also become more accustomed to enjoying things at home. This includes watching the latest movies and show releases. Subscriptions for Amazon Plus, Netflix, Hulu, and Disney have skyrocketed over the last two years. This goes on to show that people prefer watching the latest series at home in HD video instead of heading to the movies — something that shows no signs of changing anytime soon.

Businesses are improving supply chain capabilities

Another great change that is here to stay after the pandemic is the added focus on the quality and resilience of the supply chain. When the lockdowns were initially imposed throughout the world, millions of people resorted to panic buying, which severely tested the supply chains, bringing out the systems’ weaknesses. Middle Eastern businesses are now showing deep interest in adopting the latest technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, to safeguard and bolster their supply chain resiliency, ensure the quality of products, and predict shortfalls while keeping productivity and profit levels high.

Greater transparency and tech-driven innovation throughout the supply chain means increased ability to understand the quality of materials supplied, real-time data and reports of movements, and forecasting.

Staying cooped up in the home for months at a stretch without knowing what the future holds was an ordeal that is hopefully behind us. And yet, despite the hardships, there are countless great things that came out of the experience. With the world re-opening again and gaining some semblance of normalcy, there is a lot to be grateful for. I know I am.