qz.com · 14 Sep, 09:00 · Technology briefing

How COVID-19 technology is finding a second life

Technologies rapidly developed during the pandemic, including remote collaboration tools, telehealth platforms, and contactless services, are now transitioning into permanent mainstream applications.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

Technologies rapidly developed during the pandemic, including remote collaboration tools, telehealth platforms, and contactless services, are now transitioning into permanent mainstream applications. This shift indicates that emergency innovations have proven their efficacy and scalability. Organisations are integrating these solutions into standard operations, moving beyond temporary fixes to strategic implementation. The market is adjusting to a new normal where digital infrastructure and remote capabilities are foundational rather than supplementary. Professionals must recognise that these tools are no longer experimental but are central to modern business continuity and operational efficiency across various sectors.

Employer demand for Cloud Computing skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

You must adapt to this permanent shift in operational norms. Remote work proficiency and digital collaboration skills are now baseline requirements, not niche advantages. Focus on mastering enterprise software and virtual team leadership. Data privacy and cybersecurity knowledge are increasingly critical as remote access expands. Consider upskilling in cloud infrastructure or digital project management to remain relevant. Employers value candidates who can seamlessly navigate hybrid environments and leverage technology for productivity. Proactively seek roles that emphasise digital transformation. Demonstrate your ability to maintain culture and efficiency remotely. This is not a temporary trend but a structural change in how work is conducted. Your career resilience depends on embracing these tools confidently and strategically.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, Project Management and Leadership — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

Enrol in these
to benefit.

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