The end is nigh – for traditional working methods

A big majority of Ft.com readers say they expect working to never return to “traditional” ways thanks to coronavirus.

Continuing our theme of people gravitating to media they trust in these strange times, Ft.com reports its site is being used more frequently than normal. 

There is, among its readers, an increased optimism. Three in four (72%) are confident their company can navigate through this crisis. One in three (31%) expect a ‘major change’ in their respective industries. But perhaps most eye-opening of all, four in five (80%) believe traditional ways of working are likely to change for the long-term.

Meanwhile in Germany, G&J, a large German publisher, has released research showing how Germany’s media usage has changed.

The leading habit changes are: 71% are now catching up on current affairs, 54% are watching more TV and 45% are watching more streaming videos. 21% of Germans have subscribed to one of these services for the first time and 85% of those say they’ll keep it post-crisis. 

15% have checked their insurance policies and 11% have taken out new policies. 13% have postponed buying any new financial products at all.

41% are refraining from buying anything expensive. 40% have postponed their holidays and 44% have postponed buying large items of furniture.

When they are buying any products, Germans are looking for high quality brands.

NZZ, the large Swiss/German quality newspaper, produced an article showing a timeline of what had happened with the virus in Switzerland, comparing it (rather favourably) with other countries. 

It showed their immediacy with acting, highlighting the deficiencies in other countries, all demonstrating how the Swiss came, very quickly, out of lockdown.

Back in the altruistic UK, the weekly update from TI Media shows that one in four people who didn’t give to charity before are now considering it. Half of people are now quite happy shopping online, but more people are also increasing their spending on local produce and cooking from scratch.  

The consumer panel TI use are consuming more content about their passions with Cycling Week and Amateur Gardening leading the way – a sartorial paradox of new, Lycra, and old, gardening legwear.