Businesses were blindsided by the pandemic when it came on the scene in early 2020. Before the first warning signals of a strange illness in various regions worldwide, economic indicators were favorable. Unemployment was at a fifty-year low. The economy was growing steadily. But, as the scope of the challenge became clear, many recognized the need for revolutionary change.
At first, businesses did not have the luxury to examine the possible long-term impact of the pandemic. They were in survival mode. They needed to change everything from where employees work to how products and services were delivered. The pandemic accelerated the need to embrace innovation and emerging technologies. Stay-at-home orders began in some states in March. By the end of the summer, 90 percent of companies were in business transformation, with four in 10 organizations prioritizing digital initiatives.
