Positive effects of Corona

The coronavirus is affecting all of our lives. In this article, we want to focus exclusively on the positive effects.

1. We celebrate connection

Whether "social distancing" is really the right word is a hotly debated topic. It's actually correct, because what we're currently experiencing all over the world isn't social distancing, but physical distancing. A crucial distinction whose relevance is now clearer to us than ever.

In fact, we are currently experiencing a significant increase in communication . Whether it's with friends, family members , or old acquaintances , precisely because we can't see each other every day, we no longer take these relationships for granted. Thus, the virus is showing us, above all, how important connection and communication truly are [1].

2. Remote work is key

New Work has been a hot topic for some time now. Numerous studies have now proven that remote work leads to increased productivity, fewer sick days , and lower fixed costs for companies [3]. Nevertheless, despite high demand among employees, many companies have long been reluctant to implement flexible working models [2].

In a sense, the moment of truth has now arrived. Those who addressed the issue early on were able to remain flexible and agile even during the isolation-related changes to internal processes.

In this context, isolation not only proves to us day after day that flexible working models actually work, but also that, especially in an emergency, it can be vital for a company to have proven communication infrastructures that also function regardless of location.

Find out what a perfect home office day can look like for you in this interview with productivity coach Ivan Blatter:

3. Digitization of education

Similar to the world of work, the coronavirus is also giving the education sector a boost that has long been a problem. Models for digitizing education have been widely discussed, especially in recent years. However, very little has been implemented so far.

With the nationwide closure of schools and universities, politicians and educational institutions must now get creative: For the first time , digital teaching and learning models are being realistically considered and evaluated with regard to their implementation. This is an important step, as the vast untapped potential of digitalized educational models is demonstrated not least by the rapid rise of e-learning and digital tutoring startups [4].

4. Reaching the goal through solidarity

Groceries are being delivered to the doorsteps of elderly neighbors , and families are supporting each other with childcare . Due to the economic downturn, which is hitting clubs, restaurateurs, artists, and solopreneurs particularly hard, many German states have issued low-barrier financial rescue packages .

If we look beyond tragicomic phenomena like the toilet paper hoarding for a moment, we see above all a sense of togetherness characterized by solidarity and acting in the spirit of community . The crisis shows us that the idea of solidarity is not just a nice idea, but can truly become reality.

5. Nature is recovering

Since February, global air traffic has fallen by a staggering 4.3 percent compared to the previous year. Most countries are closing their borders, and entry is no longer possible.

As a result of travel restrictions and quarantine laws, greenhouse gas emissions in China have already fallen by 25% [5]. In Venice, Italy's most popular tourist destination, dolphins are returning to the city 's outskirts in now crystal-clear waters .

When humans don't go outside, nature regains its strength. A painful but very important truth that we should fundamentally recognize. Isolation shows us what the world could look like if we all took a more step back.

6. Talking Brains Podcast - Stay Positive

7. Conclusion

The coronavirus crisis is an extreme situation. And it should not be sugarcoated under any circumstances. However, like all difficult times, this crisis also offers us a unique opportunity for self-reflection.

It's making us forget what's truly important right now. And it's also showing us very clearly which traditional structures and behaviors no longer work. The restrictions associated with the virus are, not least of all, bringing us back into touch with our values—as individuals and as a collective: COVID-19 is forcing us to actively reflect on what concepts like connectedness, solidarity, innovation, and environmental protection truly mean to us.

8. Sources

[1] Genadek, KR; Hill, R. (2017), Parents' Work Schedules and Time Spent with Children, Community, Work & Family, Issue 20, Volume 5, p. 523 - 542, published online: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13668803.2017.1371672?journalCode=ccwf20 .

[2] Upwork (2018), Over a third of full-time employees will work remotely in the next ten years, Future Workforce Report II, published online: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/02/28/1401356/0/en/New-report-finds-majority-of-companies-are-embracing-remote-teams-yet-more-than-half-lack-a-remote-work-policy.html .

[3] Bloom, N.; Liang, J; Roberts, J.; Ying, ZJ (2015), Does working from home work? Evidence from a chinese experiment, The Quarterly Journal of Economics, Volume 130, Issue 1, p. 165 - 218, https://academic.oup.com/qje/article-abstract/130/1/165/2337855?redirectedFrom=fulltext .

[4] Eichmeyr, H. (2020), Digital Learning in Times of Corona: Beginning of a Steep Learning Curve? Digitalization of Education, published online: https://www.digitalisierung-bildung.de/2020/03/27/digitales-lernen-in-zeiten-von-corona-beginn-einer-steilen-lernkurve/ .

[5] Shafy, S (2020), Coronavirus causes CO2 emissions in China to fall by 25 percent, SPIEGEL Online, Science, https://www.spiegel.de/wissenschaft/mensch/co2-emissionen-in-china-sinken-ist-das-coronavirus-gut-fuers-klima-a-3bb248ba-5177-4a3a-abcb-9a67c7e1ad07 .