We are now in our fourth month of Covid-19 in some places stage 2 or 3. We have nudged forward into a new way of being, managing social distancing, wearing masks, being more at home and having social gatherings in parks or backyards.
Connectivity is pivotal to humans. We need to be connected, touched, and be seen which supports our mental and physical well being.
This past weekend, standing in front of my home on the street, we greeted neighbours walking by and my husband saw a colleague he hadn’t seen in four months since lockdown began, who hadn’t seen anyone else from work face to face in four months. It was a surprised happiness that emerged between them to see a familiar face once again.
In some ways, we are more connected now than ever before. We can speak to colleagues and friends in other countries, perform business all over the world seamlessly and even travel to places we never thought possible, all virtually.
How will connectivity evolve in the future?
#1 Contactless will become the norm.
#2 Technology will drive every aspect of our lives moving seamlessly through different technologies, devices, and platforms.
#3 Engaging in more experiences, less materiality.
Covid-19 has amplified our awareness of other needs for contactless technology far beyond payment and delivery solutions.
Our concerns over virus transmissions through contact proximity or touching of common surfaces transformed how we buy goods and services. For example, food delivery, (no interaction with the person delivering), curbside pick up of retail purchases, business and retail stores adapting to online platforms with the help of Shopify, Amazon and FedEx.
Meetings, dates, conferences, and parties are connecting through Zoom, Microsoft Teams and other platforms in the hundreds.
In the first article of this series Living Well at Work and Home “Going back to work, what will it look like?” home tech devices are taking the lead monitoring temperatures, lighting, music and other media gadgets that are already moving into office environments.
During this time, we have witnessed a sharp decline in the use of cash – and potentially the start of its phasing out. FinTech, financial technology applications will change money transactions through more contactless features, far less humans. In�Fjord Trends 2020, 02. Money Changes says “People can now pay using their fingerprints and via facial and retinal recognition. Over time, our personal information and data will become embedded in money, enabling for seamless payment experiencesâ€. Science fiction, realized!
Property Tech apps such as Cobu and Amenity are examples where landlord and property managers can monitor buildings or apartment housing with automated concierge services, entertainment and leisure coordination, pre-setting office environments and booking community events.
Yet, despite all the technology applications servicing our every need, the human touch experience is intensely missed and vital!
This pandemic is testing our humanity and values with a greater consciousness and recognition for personal health.
The human element for connectivity will never diminish.
We have seen extraordinary acts of kindness taking place. front-line workers committed sacrifices and the result of many people suffering.
Living with Covid-19 has shifted our concerns.
· Over virus transmissions that is top of mind for many people.
· Health needs will be considered in every experience.
· People will make everyday choices with more awareness that impacts their mental and physical health.
· Going back into the workplace, school or socializing in indoor spaces in large groups will be cautionary and controlled.
· Materiality and consumerism may no longer be the key focus of life, but rather, experiences and creating memories instead.
· Work-life balance, work flexibility, family time and continued integration of lifelong learning are some of the takeaways and positive feelings that needs to nurture the human element towards connectivity.
We have been on the cusp of a behavioral revolution for several years and Covid-19 may prove to be that impetus to make it a reality. Soon we will begin to see life as more than a collection of working days, that lead into weekends and maybe a staycation to come together with loved ones wherever again!.
Be Safe, Stay Well,
Rani
Rani Glick is the President/owner of Rani Glick Wellness, helping people achieve their wellness goals!
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