For 100 days, we’ve been committed to sharing logical, data-based views on events related to COVID-19. Our focus has always been to cut through the sensational, populist “noise” and provide insightful views driven by data. Views that helped companies anticipate regional COVID-19 peaks, the lifting of lockdown and the impact to businesses and people. More recently we’ve been analysing the impacts and effects on economies, markets, the environment, communities, health systems, education and future generations (to name a few).  

So, what have we learned? 

Through the uncertainty that’s existed in the last 5-7 months, we focussed on data and have managed to stay grounded in facts. We’ve endeavoured to stay clear of the populist and sensational noise that floods news headlines, instilling unnecessary fear.  

Our data was not perfect, but some data is better than no data.

When we developed COVID-19 forecasts for peak case rates in April, our predictions were, at most, 2 days off the actual day of peak cases. Granted, our forecasts evolved as we collected more data to improve our understanding of the virus, but we still provided a data-based view to help people and businesses prepare and plan accordingly. At the time, many governments were not providing any clarity or transparency for their people. Our forecasts were shedding light on a vital topic that governments were avoiding. 

Success is driven by those that are most adaptable to change. 

Businesses that are prepared to change, have agile mechanisms, show resilience and accept that hard decisions need to be made quickly to maintain operations, are the ones that have thrived. These characteristics are imperative for success in the rapidly changing industries around the world – even in the absence of a global pandemic. 

Big data has had a negative stigma attached to it – this could be the turning point.

People have seen the practical ways that big data can help global issues. Google’s mobility reports are helping identify changes in community movement, which proves useful in identifying the performance of lockdown measures. Furthermore, the mobility data exposes how communities and industries are impacted to varying degrees by lockdown policies – a vital analysis in combatting inequalities. 

We can drastically reduce carbon emissions if we really want to (or have to!).

Citizens’ experience of cleaner air during lockdown and the “build back better” campaign will apply immense pressure on governments to play a significant role in the creation of sustainable and environmental policies going forward. This will require short-term flexibility of consumer expectation. 

Working from home (WFH) is here to stay, in moderation. 

For most industries, WFH works. In some cases, it works very well, improving efficiency and productivity. It comes at a cost however. The economy surrounding commuting (travel, hospitality, infrastructure) suffers and so too did the mental well-being of workers. Going forwards, a balance will be struck between working from home and working from the office. 

At a time when rhetoric abounds, this undertaking was about analysing data and sharing views. It allowed us to not only challenge rhetoric, but to flex the analytical and problem-solving skills we use day-in day-out with our clients, for a wider purpose. Whilst our efforts on COVID-19 will be paused we are taking our approach to other topics. 

Watch this space.