Identifying the Positive within the Pandemic

The pandemic of coronavirus has infected society, industry, and education at a rate that few can foresee and shake foundations in ways no one could have predicted. In the press, just a few things in the title avoid COVID-19. It’s memes and concerns about the virus in the social media. In the face of lock-downs, restricted social interaction and complicated working conditions, people find it difficult to keep up to date. What is it? Or is it? 

“Whatever you focus the most on, that’s what you will get more of,” says Anna Collard, CEO, Popcorn Training, a subsidiary of KnowBe4. “Even before coronavirus, there was enough bad news online and on social media to make most people want to sit in a dark room. At this time, when the entire world is shifting on its axis, it has never been more important to focus on the positive and the ways in which this change can benefit us.”

The Digital Lifestyle

We have been struck by remote work from home, but what stands out in the midst of all bad news is how most businesses will do exactly that – send their workers home. It highlights the true importance of the internet and the IT team who works to accomplish this and the promise of South Africa’s digital lifestyle in future. From e-learning to home-building to new businesses that will shine after COVID-19, in an extremely short amount of time society moves rapidly to become completely interactive. 

This digital transformation has also made an immense difference to people who shut themselves in or who want a human touch. Apps put people together in new ways and give people the ability to communicate when times are tough. These same apps are used for virtual conferences and meetings to allow teams to communicate and businesses to move on into an uncertain future.

Wealth of Information

The importance of knowledge is enormous and coronavirus has given it to millions of people who are educated about hand hygiene and health. That has ensured that many people know more than ever about washing their hands, distancing themselves from the sick and the spread of disease. This would not only delay the spread of coronavirus but also allow today and tomorrow to spread other diseases.

Security Factor

Organizations are healthier than ever as their workers operate from home and create new areas of risk. This is the best time to secure Wi-Fi routers, educate people to know about phishing and scams and to protect people against fraud. Organizations spend more on security reviews and training to better protect their properties and employees. KnowBe4 created a lot of free content that helps businesses protect their workers by making them more aware of cyber-threats and how to stay away from home while working.

Harnessing Creativity

A moment of peace. An hour of forbearance. While for those with families this may not be possible, these moments are invaluable to spark imagination and creative thinking. This lockout would encourage people to create new ideas and new companies, give business people the opportunity to change their ideas and trigger unexpected disruptions in unexpected spaces around the world. Creative ideas are certainly needed now and this period of forceful isolation and contemplation is a chance for people to find them.

Appreciation and Empathy

A restaurant owner in Cape Town shut her doors tightly, more concerned than her bottom line about those with HIV. In Johannesburg, the owner of a car repair shop spent his weekend buying provisions for old-age homes so that the occupants couldn’t be at risk. Empathy affects how people communicate when appreciating little things and these moments help us to see what is really important.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KnowBe4