I was listening to BBC Radio 5 Live tis morning… and they were talking about how chaotic it’ll be this summer for many British folk wanting to travel.
First, you have everything happening with the airlines. Cancelled flights, manic at the airport, etc… then the rails may be going on strike in June… then the cost of fuel, yep – in the news that it could easily cost you over £100 to fill up your car. The perfect storm. Many in the travel industry, haven’t seen anything like this in their lifetime.
Many are blaming the lockdown – many people didn’t go anywhere, so companies were forced to lay off staff… but now it’s back to normal, are rapidly recruiting staff.
Many are blaming technology. Because of the ability to work from home, many commuters don’t need to travel. For example, the rail in the UK is operating at roughly 89% compared to pre-covid levels… whilst that is still high, not high enough and definitely not increasing as they had seen for several years.
But is this all a surprise?
For sure, some elements are.
But not all.
We know what technology can do. How it can disrupt.
But in all honesty, every company is a ‘tech’ company.
They rely on heavy amounts of technology for a variety of operations.
But have they been forward looking enough?
Whilst I don’t know the answer, for those who want to travel this summer and plans are being disrupted… what I do know is, it’ll be at least another 12 to 18 months before it’s back to normal in terms of having the right number of people working, the right number of flights departing and arriving etc…
This is where companies should be looking at what is happening in the technology world and how it could impact them further.
There’s a number of things we can’t control.
There’s a number of things within our control. That we should control.
We know and have heard about the metaverse.
We know and have heard about crypto-currency.
We know and have heard about the mix of on-line and brick and mortar stores.
We know and have heard about the need for mental health/wellbeing.
We know and have heard about habits changing – is 9to5 over?
If we know all this… are we then ready and prepared?