Today’s economy is suffering the devastation the outbreak has caused. To some degree, it may never fully get back to how it was before. According to the BBC, a better and more humane economy may be coming. But what does that mean for businesses? Although this is likely the most challenging time to maintain an enterprise, it’s important to keep your focus on the horizon and take the necessary steps to make sure you get there.

The New Norm

One of the first things you need to keep in mind is that the measures applied today by governments, businesses, and communities, will, in all likelihood, remain, at least in part, after the dust of the pandemic has settled.

This means more state involvement in the economy. More socially conscious welfare measures. And for businesses, more flexible work arrangements. In one way or another, these changes will stick. Mostly because their benefits are currently being experienced by the world as a whole.

Businesses can take this a step further by leaning into the cutting edge of technology. Business automation and digitization are among the most impactful changes your business can take part in now. Once the quarantines and lockdowns are over, the organizations that have adapted through technology will render their competition obsolete.

Never Again

According to Forbes, China is currently on the mend after the worst of the outbreak has passed there. But even after declaring their victory over the deadly virus, the reopened factories are taking all the necessary measures to keep infection at bay. According to the Washington Post, they’ve employed the use of infrared cameras and regular temperature checks just to be sure.

These measures may seem over the top but mitigating the risk of spreading the virus again is a worthy investment for any organization, especially when economic recession hangs in the balance.

For businesses in the US, a more comprehensive health and safety plan should be the new standard even after the pandemic subsides. Business owners like you have now seen how vulnerable your organization and the whole economy are to this kind of threat and making sure it never happens again is everyone’s responsibility.

A Push to Cyberspace

If you haven’t invested in your online presence yet, sadly, you’ve already been missing out. According to Verizon, the huge spike in internet usage since the outbreak began is quickly becoming the norm. Even if you don’t sell your products or services online, the mere use of the platform as a communication channel can benefit your business now and in the long run. Build a website. Sign up for social media accounts and connect with your clients. This will also help you tap into new markets that will last even after the lockdowns.

And if you are looking to tap into ecommerce, this is the perfect time. According to TechRepublic, ecommerce revenue has jumped 37% in the US during the pandemic. Venturing into this new frontier is easier now because of big players like Amazon and Alibaba letting smaller enterprises use their platforms.

The truth is, no one is really certain about how everything will look on the other side. The only thing you can be sure of is that this outbreak will end and the old world will end with it. Pivot your business to adapt, and not just survive.