How we could be working from home for months to come: Many companies will keep in place changes they have made to deal with the coronavirus crisis, study finds
- Research by Institute of Directors found more people likely to work from home
- Businesses have been innovating in response to the lockdown, the IoD found
- Almost one in six of 464 firms polled said they had even launched a new service
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
Many companies will keep in place changes they have made to deal with the coronavirus crisis, such as staff working from home, a new study suggests.
Research by the Institute of Directors (IoD) indicated there will also be a greater focus on digital services when the current lockdown ends.
Businesses have been innovating in response to the lockdown, with almost one in six of 464 firms polled reporting they had launched a new product or service, usually involving hand gel or protective equipment, said the IoD.
More than a third of those surveyed said they were likely to use the next three months to pursue online training for their staff.
Many companies will keep in place changes they have made to deal with the coronavirus crisis, such as staff working from home, a new study suggests (stock image)
Edwin Morgan, director of policy at the IoD, said: ‘The coronavirus crisis is throwing up colossal challenges for business, but directors are nothing if not adaptable.
‘Lockdown means few businesses can operate as they used to and, as a result, many companies are finding a way to innovate through the obstacles. The solutions they create might just end up becoming the new normal.
‘Some changes, such as distancing on production lines or providing PPE to staff are virus-related necessities, but others, in particular making services digital and more flexible working, bring benefits of their own.
‘With it looking likely that restrictions will continue in some form for months, more and more directors will fundamentally change their business models.’
Some businesses, for instance, have started using video-conferencing software such as Zoom to communicate between employees.
Zoom has been used by business to help staff communicate while working from home