8 weeks on from looking on the bright side of Covid-19

It's been almost 8 weeks since I wrote my article about looking on the bright side of COVID-19, at a time where it was getting worse by the day. I know we are certainly not out of the woods yet, but I have found myself reflecting a lot recently and re-read my article from March to see what changes I can identify so far.

To be honest, I was actually quite surprised at how much has happened in such a short space of time and whilst we start to look forward to some relaxed restrictions; I thought it worthwhile to capture some of the positives and lessons learnt before we all rush off to the pubs!

The key points I looked at were: Innovation, Sustainability, Environmental Considerations and Stronger Partnerships. Here are some of the main things I have seen so far:

·      Innovation

From hands-free door openers that can be 3D-printed to ventilators, face masks and production plants now producing hand sanitiser; a number of local businesses are changing their production to include new lines of critical items required by the public and health services.

It is truly inspiring to see the innovation and skill from Australians, showing the capability we have here in our own backyard to design, manufacture and produce. Dare I say it but that’s what I call #pivoting. Here are a couple of my favourite success stories:

o  Cape Byron Distillery switches from gin to hand sanitiser

o  Triple Eight Race Engineering of Banyo have created a prototype ventilator

o  Dalby Bio-Refinery re-opens to manufacture industrial grade ethanol for surface disinfectants

There are many more examples that are not manufacturing related such as SEEK's “working from home” search tool, an array of fitness & wellbeing apps and Government’s “Jobs Finder” initiative. If we are looking for positives- there are plenty here!

• Sustainability

I read a great article by International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) who spoke about how Covid-19 is shaping sustainable development (You can read the full article here: https://www.iisd.org/library/coronavirus-shaping-sustainable-development). But, one of the points which is being frequently discussed amongst my network is the stimulus packages being implementing by Governments around the world. Of course, this support is crucial right now to keep people, businesses and economies afloat, but we must ensure the actions taken now don’t have a negative effect on the future economy.

The other “big ticket item” being discussed is the need for creating more local supply chains in our post-pandemic world. I joined the QMCA breakfast recently and many members seemed on board for tenders to place a much higher focus on projects utilising local supply chains.

Judging by the great innovation we are seeing in Queensland and Australia wide- it would suggest there is hunger for more manufacturing/supply on home soil.

• Environmental Considerations

It is very early to look at impacts on the environment but there has already been reports showing improvements across the globe!

• China had as much as 25% reduction in carbon emissions
• In Venice, the water in the canals cleared and experienced greater water flow and visibility of fish due to the settling of sediment that is disturbed by boat traffic. They are also seeing a decrease in air pollution along the waterway
• Australian studies have shown some short-term benefits including improvements to local air and water quality in several areas that have implemented shutdowns.

I am sure there will be many more studies about this to come!

• Stronger Partnerships

I don’t think I have spoken to anyone who hasn’t felt this already. People are checking on each other regularly, people are communicating more and sharing ideas/information/positive news and people are offering help and focusing on what they can do to be of assistance to others. With video calling, we are seeing our colleagues/clients/customers in their homes and meeting their partners, children and pets and that in itself creates stronger relationships.

I know internally at u&u we have had lots of communication provided to us to keep us feeling connected. Whether it be a message from one of our directors answering some heavy-hitting questions or useful tips on how to cope with Covid-19 stress from our marketing team; all of these things have made us feel even more unified and determined to get through this together.  

Now the conversations are turning to what’s next? When do I return to the office? How will my dog feel being left alone all day again? Do I want to be stuck in crowds and in the hustle and bustle of the city again?

Who knows what the next 6 weeks will bring! Take care everyone and keep reflecting ??

As always, I appreciate any thoughts/comments/feedback on the above. Get in touch on 0732329139 or [email protected]