What Will the Return to Normality Mean for Businesses?

Slowly, but surely, the world is returning to normality and the economy is reopening for business which, for entrepreneurs, employees, and customer alike, is great news. While new habits will die hard, some may have a place in this so-called ‘new normal’ (which looks a lot like the old one).

Remote working, contactless payments and digital meetings will likely remain, at least to a point, while many businesses are also looking forward to getting back into the office, as they feel this is where the best collaboration takes place. Whatever happens, when the last remaining restrictions are lifted, there will come a welcome sigh of relief.

How Has Your Business Fared in the Pandemic?

All businesses underwent an earth-shattering change as to how they operated in March 2020, as the government ordered all non-essential workers to stay at home. This meant that employees were either placed on furlough as business was effectively paused, or they set up a makeshift home office where they could continue to work during the pandemic.

For months, only essential workers were permitted into their places of work until government advice changed in the summer and businesses were allowed to reopen their offices. This was done under the proviso that they made their workplaces Covid-secure, allowing for social distancing and other provisions such as ventilation, increased hygiene and dividers where needed.

Some businesses chose to remain working remotely, having found that their workforce was just as, if not more so, while others requested their staff return to the office. For many business owners, it has been down to personal preference as to whether they have asked their staff to come back into the premises or not.

Other businesses simply cannot operate without staff onsite, name those in the hospitality sector such as hotels, bars and restaurants. Having not been classed as essential, such businesses had been shut down and staff sat at home. Despite not having to pay staff, who had been furloughed, businesses were still losing money through lack of income, especially if they were unable to offer takeaway and delivery services.

Will the End of Lockdown Spark the Economy Back into Life?

The hope and overall train of thought are that the end of lockdown restrictions will spark a rejuvenation in consumers getting out and spending after more than a year of living under what seemed sometimes draconian measures. The UK economy reported an acceleration in May as the tourism and hospitality sectors began to re-emerge out of lockdown, bringing greater hope that business will thrive after lockdown.

Not all businesses have reopened yet, however, with nightlife remaining shut as it has been since the beginning of the pandemic. Nightclubs have not had any respite and continue to be in the same position now as they were when the lockdown was first implemented, with their doors closed and staff on furlough.

Around the world, countries are beginning to find ways to reopen and, soon, the UK hopes that the last remaining businesses still yet to open will once again be able to operate. Having been closed for so long, though, the door for many clubs will not reopen having gone out of business with no form of revenue for over a year.

Nightclubs that have managed to survive this long, though, will be hoping that they will enjoy business the likes of which they have never seen to welcome them back. Pent up frustration of consumers, who have not been allowed to live their lives throughout the pandemic, is what is likely to drive business.

Habits may have changed, but the principle remains the same – businesses will be ready to serve customers, looking to forget about the pandemic and return to living their lives.