Unless you
have a top pharmaceutical company that can develop cures for global illnesses,
you might have a problem currently and in the new future with Covid-19, the
novel coronavirus and similar diseases like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
(SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) that have
arisen in recent years. While the degree of spread and
seriousness varies with each, it seems safe to think
that these kinds of the diseases are likely to become more widespread
and common. The trend suggests that Covid-19 is just one in a series of
diseases that are likely to prevent the world from running effectively, the way
we used to know it.
As a result, many jobs are at risk. Civil servants are at risk
because broke governments around the world are going to learn that they can run
without an overbloated bureaucracy. Just look at what Lagos state government is
able to achieve with about 70% of its staff at home not working in Nigeria. Companies
will be swifter and more ruthless in implementing changes to the way they are
structured and work because for them the bottom line is critical. Businesses
that cannot adapt to being relevant when movement of large segments of the
population is restricted are likely to die-off.
Imagine an entrepreneur that has invested in a big office and
large staff to impress potential customers, the public and investors. And then
there's this lockdown caused by the Covid-19 global pandemic. Huge investment
and a huge loss of revenue mean that such a business might be in trouble. Its
survival is called to question unless the management can quickly find ways to
cut cost and try to increase revenue. Juxtapose this to a business that has few
staff and has a strong presence online. It encourages minimum direct
interaction with customers in its business model. Even if it is not making much
money now, its costs are also low, it can adapt faster to the new order of
things and even leverage on its flexible structure to raise sales and revenue.
This ensures that it has a better chance of surviving.
It doesn't matter whether you are an employee or an
entrepreneur, the nature of work and business is rapidly changing and it is
those that have relevant skills and models that will thrive in this new
economy.
So, what
skills and strategies are going to be critical in this new world order of work
and business?
Let me
suggest a few:
Important Skills and Services
Required in the Post-Covid19 World
1. Digital Skills &
Services
2. Simplified Quality
Healthcare
3. Logistics
4. Telecommuting and Online
Shopping
5. Food Business
6. Cyber Security
7. Online Learning and
Education Boom
Let’s look at
them in detail:
1. Digital Skills & Services
Any skill or
service that supports the delivery of information, education, entertainment and
exchange of value online is likely to experience a boom. Zoom the online
platform that makes online meetings and collaboration possible has seen an
increase in use. Different organizations from the Lagos state government and
private schools are making use of it to host virtual classes and meetings. Web
designers, programmers, graphic designers, digital marketers, bloggers, digital
content producers are all expected to experience a boom. While the majority of
the population might not fall ill, we need to still communicate with family and
friends as well as be informed, educated and entertained during the pandemic
while many that need money are also trying to earn it online.
2. Simplified Quality Healthcare
The idea of
the hospital and how it can be run is beginning to change. We are seeing stadiums,
halls, and convention centers being turned to temporary but functional hospitals.
Retired hospital staff are being recalled to support the healthcare system.
This makes it clear that in the future, older healthcare professionals can
expect to be retained on flexible contracts to provide standardized and
affordable healthcare for underserved communities in developed countries or
large populations in the developed world.
3. Logistics is Critical
Delivering
goods and tangible products from either points of production or storage to
where they are needed is a new critical area for future economies. While many
sectors of the American economy have been affected negatively by the Covid-19
induced shutdown of many parts of the United States, trucking companies and
truckers are seeing increased demand for their services to keep essential supplies
available to the general population. Even in Nigeria, the Nigerian Postal
Service (NIPOST) is repositioning itself as a key provider of logistics
services in this period where Lagos, Ogun and Abuja, 3 critical parts of
Nigeria and other places like Rivers and Kaduna states are under lockdown.
4. Telecommuting and Online Shopping to Become Widely Accepted
Many
organizations that hitherto scoffed at the idea of staff working from home are
beginning to realize that it is something worth considering and adapting to.
Some had encouraged staff to work from home before a formal lockdown was
announced by the federal and state governments in some parts of Nigeria. Also,
some Nigerians who didn't believe in buying stuff or paying for services online
are getting forced to subscribe to pay-tv or buy for I subscription online.
This trend is likely to continue Covid-19.
5. Food Business is Critical
Agriculture
and its entire value chain including food processing and preparation is
critical. Governments especially those in developing countries like Nigeria
have had to find ways to ensure that citizens have access to food during
lockdowns. Investors and businesses are likely to be more interested in food
processing and storage to meet huge demand during emergencies and pandemics
like this in the future.
6. Cyber Security: Online Fraud and Criminal Activity
The more
people do stuff online, the more criminals will try to swindle, steal from and
extort them. Cyber security and forensics is definitely going to be more
important in this era. Those with knowledge and skills in this area are likely
to have a huge demand for their services.
Companies
providing security solutions are also likely to do well. Despite Zoom's rise
and popularity during this Covid-19 pandemic, it got backlash after Elon Musk
questioned its security. This and other concerns will always be around. Hence,
the demand for cyber security experts and companies is expected to increase as
more people move their key business operations online.
7. Online Learning and Education Boom
The world is
changing rapidly and only those that have the relevant skills will be
competitive. Many have started learning new skills online because this current
global lockdown has shown them how vulnerable they are with their current skill
set. So, if you can teach people the new critical skills they need, you can
expect a huge spike in demand, growth and profitability.
The days of
looking down on online coaching and training are gone.
The world has
changed in the last 2 months and is still changing. The faster we begin to
accept and adjust to this new reality, the better we are likely to do in it. Do
not feel overwhelmed, just adapt, learn and relearn to excel in these new,
different and difficult times.
