When the pandemic forced the world to stop commuting in 2020, cloud computing took off in a new way. As early adopters looked on, multitudes began using the tools they had for more than a decade. While sequestration caused some problems, it also worked to develop new solutions, and software manufacturers further improved their offerings.

The lesson in business agility proved simple. You could remain in business if you devised a way to work without direct contact with others. Corporations sent their office staff home and turned to cloud solutions like Microsoft Cloud Solutions for secure remote computing that connected their far-flung staffers. Even those practicing day-to-day business improvement methods like kaizen discovered weaknesses they did not know existed.

One of those weaknesses was their resistance to adopt cloud technology. In a survey conducted by Freeform Dynamics for Cisco, 58 percent of respondents said they adopted the use of cloud technology they had previously rejected. They then admitted that they would continue using the available cloud options after recognizing the boon to productivity digital collaboration brings.

The work from home or close option brought recognition of how unproductive offices become and allowed people to work distraction and interruption-free. That boosted productivity massively. It resulted in 49 percent of managers increasing flexible schedule options because it increased the trust of 53 percent of managers in their workforce.

People discovered they did miss coffee breaks, but devised ways to conduct those short conversations via video conferences like those on Skype and Zoom or social chat channels like Facebook groups or Slack chats.

Companies using work from home methods found that their workforce had a tough time maintaining work-life balance while working in the cloud. By making it a priority to help with the work-life balance, employers boosted the morale of the 76 percent having a tough time separating from their work.

Of course, the people who already worked remotely had a plan in place. Employers began seeing the value in these remote employees and increased remote hires, valuing the growth of the talent pool available to them.

All of this improvement even costs less. Gartner projects a 7.3 percent decline in technology spending in 2020. Sapphire Ventures surveyed 100 chief information officers (CIOs) and vice-presidents of information technology (VP IT) to determine spending levels. The majority, 86 percent, reported they would maintain or increase spending, but as September nears close, it seems maintenance was their choice.

Expect a continued shift to cloud computing after the pandemic ends. Businesses small and large have learned the value of working from anywhere and productivity boosts at reduced costs make it savvy bottom line decision for every firm.