4 APAC / Issue Q1 2021 APAC / Issue Q1 2021 5 NEWS NEWS , , Industry experts and clients can read the following changes to learn from the pandemic or craft a responsive business plan. Reflection is necessary for growth, so take a look back on how the industry responded to a once-ina-lifetime global event. Productivity Has Streamlined In the pre-pandemic world, tech teams often had spontaneous meetings or brainstorming huddles. If people worked together and met frequently, it was supposed to improve their productivity. Employees and managers now realize that recurring meetings were a waste of time. Now, emails are a faster way to communicate with teams both small and large. When most people began to work from home at the beginning of 2020, their varying schedules made it more challenging to get everyone together for a meeting. Writing constructive criticism and plans in an email is much more effective because everything’s in writing and easy to check if anyone has questions. People can work faster and more cohesively when they don’t waste time zoning out during in-person meetings. Remote Work Presents New Burnout Remote workers in the tech industry experience new burnout symptoms that might be difficult to spot. Instead of commuting to an eight-hour shift at the office, they work through lunch breaks or channel their pandemic-related stress into clocking more hours. Living and working at home removes important boundaries that benefit mental health. Managers now have to check-in with their teams more regularly to ensure that everyone knows how to balance their work and personal lives in a changing world. This is the warning from the CEO and founder of one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory and fintech organisations as China equities climb 1.9% on Monday, putting them on track for the highest close since 2008. Nigel Green, the chief executive of deVere Group, which has $12bn under advisement, says: “China’s benchmark index the CSI 300, which tracks shares on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges, jumped nearly 2% as investors around the world rush for exposure to the People’s Republic’s economic recovery from the Covid pandemic. “These fresh impressive gains for Chinese equities come after an incredible year in 2020 in which the index added more than 27%.” He continues: “This trend of piling into Chinese stocks can be expected to continue throughout 2021 as investors seek growth. “China’s rebound is quite remarkable, compared to other major economies, many of which are once again rolling out stricter restrictions to stop the spread of Covid amid a tsunami of new cases. “The country has just reported increased industrial output and retail sales towards the end of 2020, bolstering expectations of further robust growth in 2021, adding fuel to the nation’s stock markets and Investors Piling into China’s Stocks are Urged to Remember Investment Fundamentals The expansive tech field weathered the COVID-19 pandemic better thanmost. Public healthmeasures changed worldwide workspaces, resulting inmore reliance on technology. COVID-19’s impact on tech companies includes a few good and bad effects that may point to what the future holds. Investors will “pile into Chinese equities” in 2021 as the country’s impressive economic recovery picks up more momentum, but this should not overshadow the critical need for global diversification. COVID19’s Impact on Tech Companies: The Good and Bad Reliance onTech Has Increased More people need personal computers and tablets to work from home. The dependence on homebased tech increased industry sales by 24% through 2020. Many of the new remote positions will exist after the pandemic, so tech companies have to prepare for continued higher demand for products and services. It may result in hiring more inhouse employees or needing more storage space for stocking inventory. Expanded teams and more sales mean businesses can remodel current commercial spaces to aid their growth. Companies that service tech problems or sell popular products should consider any needs that might come from this reliance on athome tech. In-Person Networking Has Slowed Many tech companies began expansion plans and partnerships through in-person networking events. Those came to a screeching halt in 2020 and likely won’t return until late 2021, so virtual networking must continue. This is mainly hurtful for startups and small tech businesses who need personal relationships within the community to bolster business. Still, people within the industry can learn to network virtually to make the best of this temporary situation. It could even connect them with the community if they participate in other local online events where possible future clients can discover them. Look to the Future COVID-19’s impact on tech companies resulted in good and bad changes. People in the field and interested consumers can learn from the adjustments. Everyone benefits from efforts like providing more virtual services and relying on innovative new technologies, but only if reflection points the way forward. currency as well as those economies that get a boost from domestic spending within China. “Of course, all of this will not go unnoticed by investors looking for yield.” However, the deVere CEO also has a warning for investors. “China’s already impressive economic recovery is likely to pick up momentum and this will be extremely attractive. “But as 2020 showed us with perhaps too much clarity, things can change quickly and so-called ‘certainties’ can shift overnight. “Therefore, as ever, it is essential that investors have a truly diversified portfolio. This includes across geographical regions, assets classes, sectors and currencies. “A good fund manager that can secure global exposure and actively seek out opportunities in Asia, especially in China, will best position investors to reap rewards in 2021.” Mr Green concludes: “China, but also Asia in general, has massive potential and will likely outperform the rest of the world in 2021. However, investors must not get giddy and forget about the importance of diversification – the investor’s best tool to capitalise on opportunities and mitigate risks.”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTY1MjI4