As we all collectively look forward to a post-pandemic recovery, it can be helpful to reflect on the changes that have taken place, as perhaps an indicator that further change will become easier than ever. Think about the changes we have already accepted in our own lives as you consider what your customers are experiencing.
- We agreed to isolate ourselves for long stretches and adhere to changing emergency health measures
- We have worked, attended meetings and/or school, and had many diverse conversations by talking to our laptop screens
- We’ve taken courses online, done our shopping online and seen doctors using telemedicine
- Job insecurity was top of mind and many employers changed policies that would have historically taken them months, if not years, to revise
- The demands on parents without external supports from grandparents / families, schools or childcare programs added on additional challenges for families
- Attitudes towards people previously overlooked continue to shift and jobs we never paid much attention to are now considered “essential”
- Governments have changed their spending patterns in ways that were unimaginable
- While country borders closed, many are speaking about global cooperation and action as we combine efforts to combat the pandemic
For many organizations, change means we cannot go back to our old marketing playbooks. When we revisit the world post-pandemic, it is clear that some of the trends continue to push forward but others have been disrupted and our plans need a re-think. Some of the trends we are discussing include:
- Climate change risks continue / an ongoing reduction in travel for work
- Demographic trends continue slowing growth
- Awareness levels around rising inequality / polarized growth
- Globalization / rise of nationalism
- Disruption of core belief systems / greater appreciation for life / shifting consumer attitudes
- Technology adoptions / habits becoming permanent change (e.g. Remote working, Online Shopping, etc.)
- Developing and maintaining digital infrastructure now a strategic focus for many as they adopted / adapted systems during the pandemic
- Supply chains rebalancing and shifting as demand / supply changes (more direct selling) and hard hit channel partners continue to struggle (bankruptcies expected to increase, joint ventures being considered).
- New waves of innovation as new needs emerge / companies have to learned to pivot
- Many report a permanent shift to a flatter and more agile organizational structure
- New generation of entrepreneurs and life-long learners as new / different workforce skills are prioritized
- Economic downturn / post-pandemic inflation spikes / Governments tackle spike in debt
- Ongoing health and safety concerns a top priority and communicating these to both staff and customers. And even the logistics / procedures that continue to change around pandemic procedures, vaccine records, privacy concerns and privacy laws.
- Communication continues to be critical to business success and growth (internal and external)
As teams spent the summer getting vaccinated and taking some time off to recover from the pandemic stresses, our Fall conversations are a chance to re-set. Can we help your team re-focus or re-prioritize? We’d be happy to connect to discuss how we can support your strategic marketing communication plans.