DO YOU BELIEVE IN LIFE AFTER LOCKDOWN?
In the weeks and months since Mr. Johnson uttered the words “I must give the British people a very simple instruction - you must stay at home”, we’ve become accustomed to witnessing and embarking on a variety of new routines and behaviours. However, as things head toward a ‘new normal’ (yes, I said it) which of these behaviours are here for longer than just lockdown?
1. Increased streaming subscriptions
If like me, you ended up balancing working full time whilst entertaining a two-year-old, you may have been rather grateful for the perfectly timed launch of Disney+. Whilst I initially signed up to show my son the joys of Peter and the Dragon (original) and The Lion King (definitely original), I’ve been really impressed by the amount of new content and what’s ahead in the coming months. I can’t see myself cancelling anytime soon; how else am I going to watch the Mighty Ducks 1 through 3 on a quiet Sunday in November? People have become even more dependent on streaming services and away from the joys of live programming (let’s not start on Peter Crouch: Save Our Summer!). Sky has enough depth and on-demand content to challenge effectively, but I do worry for terrestrial channels, and I think it’s unlikely we’ll witness mass cancellations of streaming subscriptions anytime soon.
2. The Zoom Quiz
As Zoom (other video conferencing tools are available) became the weapon of choice for the virtual office worker, some bright spark decided we needed its involvement in our social as well as vocational day to day. Quizzes with friends, family, neighbours, people you haven’t spoken to in years became the norm. At first, I was a fan, who doesn’t like a dedicated Africa Cup of Nations round or Bournemouth’s highest goalscorers since WW2 (I watch too much football). However, I’m now suffering Zoom Quiz fatigue. I think with the increase in virtual office meetings showing no sign of abating, these quizzes might have reached the end of their virtual road.
3. Sneezing into your elbow pit
It should have been the default all along. Consider me a convert.
4. Remote/Flexible working
Sometimes the world gives us a nudge in a direction that was often overlooked in the past. Remote working, on the whole, has been a great success and the benefits it has brought to work/life balance have been undeniable. I haven’t missed the early rises, the late nights and the calls of “move down please!”, but I have missed my colleagues, the spontaneous collaboration, and the copious amounts of tea. Ultimately, remote working is here to stay, we just need to find that balance between the office in town and the ones we’ve created in our homes.
5. Staying local
Throughout lockdown we’ve seen communities come together to support and preserve their favourite local shops and services. People care about where they live, and given that they aren’t likely to be commuting as much, I think they’ll continue to line the local purse in the weeks and months ahead. However, given lockdown has led to more people being comfortable and competent with online ordering and delivery, the high street certainly faces challenges and evolution ahead. One to keep our eyes on.
6. The feeling of unease when you see someone hug/shake hands on TV
Social Distancing is far too engrained for this one to go anywhere too soon. Maybe we’ll start to see people adopt the elbow bump in post Covid Coronation Street.
7. E-learning
Education has had to adapt to life outside the classroom and lecture hall. From language apps, online tutors and video conferencing aplenty, the sector has moved quickly to the lockdown challenges it has faced. With research* even showing that learning online can lead to increased retention rates, and take less time, I don’t think e-learning will simply disappear as in-person education returns. I’d say its future will be as part of the educational toolkit rather than the primary focus.
8. Drinks breaks at football matches
As I mentioned, I watch too much football. From non-league to the Austrian Bundesliga, I’m always seeking something out if I have a spare moment. So… you can imagine my excitement as I sat down to watch Borussia Dortmund vs Schalke after a 3-month football hiatus. But what’s this? A drinks break every 23 minutes? Odd. Here to stay? Quite possibly, it has been rather warm.
By Joe Parker, Brand Director