What if COVID-19 had hit us 15 years ago?

In the past three months we have seen the global workforce shift direction, as millions of people embrace remote working for the first time. We are now living through the most disruptive period in the UK’s history since the end of the war. 

The sudden shift to work from home is presenting many new problems, but solutions are out there. Companies like Slack, Google, Zoom, and Microsoft are offering their online tools for digital collaboration for free, and many workers who start using them during this crisis may find themselves continuing to use them once the lock-down is over.

Some startups and SMEs are well equipped to go fully remote, but when it comes to large corporates, their current systems are not built for this. Most corporate networks are not set up to support nearly 100% of their workforce connecting through virtual private networks (VPNs). These older systems are starting to crack at the edges, with many employees being cut off from their employer. 

Which makes me think - what if this virus had hit us 15 years ago. In 2005, businesses couldn't have imagined continuing to operate fully remotely as many are capable of today. With everything going on, at least we can find some solace in technology. The ever increasing mobility of computing whether from changing desktop to laptop or laptop to smartphone, has already prepared us for a world in where everywhere accessible technology is the critical link between the people and systems that make our businesses tick.

Most of the devices and digital tools we use to keep us connected, fed and entertained did not exist 15 years ago. Back then, tools like Instagram, WhatsApp, Slack had not even been conceived. Social media was not a thing, with Facebook and Twitter just getting started. Two years later, the iPhone was launched. 

Online tools like Slack, Zoom, Workplace, Hangouts, Houseparty and many others enable a stability and consistency in communication that could never be assured 15 years ago. Smartphones are our gateway to the world, even when we are all at home. Fifteen years ago, about eight million homes in the UK had a broadband connection, with internet speeds of up to 10 megabits per second. Another seven million homes were still using dial-up connections.

Now in 2020, 96% of UK homes have broadband internet, with an average speed of 54 megabits per second. This is what allows millions of people ,in office jobs across the world, to work from home. This crisis will have many consequences for the economy and people's lives, but at least, today with the help of technology, we can continue to carry on.

Stay at home, reduce contact with others, support the NHS and most importantly, save lives.