The results, which are presented in a series of free online sessions, highlights the importance of crisis communication and having a communication policy in place before a crisis hits.

Apart from the negative economic impact of the pandemic, respondents indicated that they enjoyed spending more time with family and building stronger bonds.

Businesses also noted that they were forced to think 'outside of the box' in order to reach their customers. They also indicated that working from a remote office and using technology have delivered a more productive workforce.

"With the help of our strategic partner, ECCO International Communications Network and the African Public Relations Association, the questionnaire was distributed across Africa and translated into French, German and Hungarian to make it accessible across Europe," says Chanell Kemp, reputation specialist at Reputation Matters, who led the research project.

The survey delivered responses from Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America. The majority of responses, however, came from Africa and Europe and the data focused on these two continents.

"The main thing that stood out for me is that the world is ready to relook the way we work. Technology has allowed us to work remotely and make better use of our time," says Chris Bischoff, reputation manager, who was part of the project.

Participants were asked what the effects were on their countries and the majority of respondents, regardless of the country or continent, indicated that the macro-economic effect was devastating.

Respondents mentioned the GDP, increases in poverty, loss of revenue and the closures of borders, travel and businesses as the major influencers on a macro-economic level, indicating that the 'worst is yet to come;.

"Albeit the big effect the lockdown had on all three levels, the positive message that came through from the respondents is one of hope and optimism, with the biggest focus being on family time, relationship building and generally more time for self-reflection," says Nalene de Klerk, reputation manager that was research support on the project.

"The data that we collected was very rich and insightful. There are numerous lessons that we learnt from the research that can help businesses re-establish and rebuild a resilient reputation after the lockdown," concludes Kemp.

The survey has suggested four lessons that businesses can focus on coming out of lockdown. These include: 
  1. The pandemic changed the way we engage with new and current clients. Communication to employees and customers is more important than ever and businesses need to adapt their marketing and customer relations strategies to take advantage of digital opportunities and new communication platforms.
  2. It is important to have a crisis communication plan in place before a crisis takes place. A crisis can only be managed effectively if you plan appropriately. The research indicated that 42% of organisations in Africa did not have a crisis communication plan in place before the pandemic surfaced.
  3. The pandemic, and its economic impact, is far from over. Organisations need to have a financial strategy in place to help businesses survive and thrive in the new economy, and
  4. The pandemic affected everyone, regardless of age, continent or country. The research highlighted the importance of empathy, humanity and unity. Businesses need to share these messages of positivity with the rest of the business community in Africa.
Reputation Matters has announced that it will be hosting a free online session to give detailed feedback on all the research results.

"We want to invite the media and the members of the public to join one of the two sessions this week: Tuesday, 30 June at 14:00 (RSA) or Thursday, 2 July at 14:00 (RSA)," concludes Kemp.

To be part of this session, individuals can send an email to research@reputationmatters.co.za

For more information, visit www.reputationmatters.co.za. You can also follow Reputation Matters on Facebook or on Twitter.