The feel-good factor

Reasons for businesses be positive

The Coronavirus has been a difficult time for the majority of us, and there has been a lot of negative press surrounding the crisis. However, there have been positives that have come about during the pandemic, including customers shopping more locally; people pulling together to help one another or the vulnerable individuals in our communities; and reduced pollution in many areas, including Venice’s waters which have become the cleanest in years. And, there are good outcomes that businesses can find during the outbreak.

Driving change

Sales of electric cars have been growing in recent years, and according to global supplier for car manufacturers Jato Dynamics, in April, electric and hybrid cars accounted for 17% of sales across all European markets, including the UK. This is an increase of 10% on the 7% of all European car sales in April 2019. 

If you’re thinking about switching your business’ cars to electrics vehicles, now is the time. As of April, there is a zero percent tax on Benefit in Kind (BIK) payments for company car drivers with electric vehicles. This will then increase to only 1% from April 2021 and 2% in 2022. 

Pounds for pedal power

From cars to the good old-fashioned bicycle. The Government has announced that from June, up to half a million £50 vouchers will be provided to the public to go towards the cost of bike repairs. If your people are able to, or have been thinking about, cycling to work the scheme could help them get their bike in good working order. More details of how people can apply are set to be released soon; when the initiative is off the ground, you or your staff will be able to search for participating cycle shops on the Energy Saving Trust website and apply for a voucher. 

Leaders seen in a good light

One of the main things that has been highlighted during the COVID-19 outbreak has been the importance of staying connected. A survey conducted by the Institute of Internal Communication found that 76% of respondents feel the crisis has positively impacted trust in business leaders. The study also found that 92% of respondents found videos and video conference calls an effective way of communicating. To keep your people up-to-date and the conversation going, you may want to consider regular business-wide conference calls from your leadership team. 

Employees welcome flexibility 

While many offices and businesses are opening their doors again, the latest ONS survey has shown that 38% of people are still working from home. Recruitment firm, Tiger Recruitment, has also conducted a survey during the Coronavirus, which found that 87% of participants said working from home has had a positive impact on how they work, with 52% saying they benefited from more flexibility in their role.

Meanwhile, the CIPD’s Health and Wellbeing 2020 Report found that 78% of employees who currently don’t have flexible working would like to have the option.