Bill Gates’ predictions for a post-pandemic world
Computer genius Bill Gates has analyzed the economic and social impacts of COVID-19 in recent months. Now he tries to offer his predictions in a post-pandemic world in which travel, jobs, and relationships will change dramatically.
Gates, who had already mentioned a couple of years ago the profound damage that the planet could face if a pandemic occurred, pointed out several aspects that will change in the post-pandemic world.
Fewer travels and less time at the office
He stated that once the coronavirus is controlled, 50% of business trips and more than 30% of days in the office will disappear.
Just as the Second World War allowed more women to enter the labour market, the pandemic will enable us to consider if it is necessary to be present at the office physically.
The idea of learning or having a doctor’s appointment or a sales call only using a screen with Zoom or Microsoft Teams will change dramatically, he added.
In the workplace, the Microsoft co-founder also pointed out that a third of face-to-face work hours will disappear. During this period, many companies have observed the feasibility of working from home.
We will continue to go to the office in some way, we will resume some business trips, but it will be drastically less than before, Gates stated.
The American business magnate also assured that the pandemic would also impact the population density in large cities. It will allow people to move away from urban centres due to the possibility of working from other places.
People will seek to socialize more
On the other hand, Gates stated that because people will have less social contact in their workspaces, this will lead them to seek more social spaces with their friends and acquaintances and increase the desire to socialize.
Progress has already been made in the search for a vaccine against the coronavirus. However, it will take a long time to return to normal.
He thinks many people will remain relatively conservative behaviour, especially if they associate with older people whose risk of getting seriously ill is quite high.
Regarding the risks of another pandemic, Bill Gates believes that they will not be as severe as the coronavirus. Countries are already more prepared to cope with health emergencies like this, as well as to take actions to mitigate the contagion.
Finally, the technological entrepreneur was surprised by the controversy the use of the mask has generated in the world.
