5 Key Trends to Look Out For in 2021 and Beyond
In 2020, we witnessed how COVID19 has accelerated these trends, such as the rapid adoption of technologies such as tele-health and e-commerce. Here are six key trends which will define our next normal in 2021 and beyond for the food services and facilities management industry.
Beyond COVID-19, preparing for the long-term means being aware of the world’s great transformations. Sodexo previously defined 11 megatrends on an ongoing basis with demographic, social, environmental, economic and technological implications.
1. An Emphasis on Trust
Over 2020, the focus on personal health and safety has shifted consumer priorities. In Asia, consumers place trust as the top factor in deciding on purchasing a new brand and is on par with pricing and affordability when it comes to repeat purchases (Edelman Trust Barometer).
At workplaces, schools and healthcare institutions, employees, students, patients and visitors need to have faith that hygiene protocols are in place and adhered to, to ensure their health and safety, so that they may go about their day with peace of mind. Through our “rise with Sodexo” programme, we have introduced Protecta, for enhanced infection in hospitals, and EduCare, to enable a safe return to campus for students and faculty.
2. Remote Everything
Even as students return to school and employees to the office, the recognition that we are able to learn and work remotely and effectively will change how learning and work are organised going forward. A number of firms have announced plans for hybrid work, while over 48% of Asia Pacific managers surveyed over the pandemic anticipate a permanently higher rate of full-time remote employees (Forrester Research). To support remote employees, Sodexo’s Benefits and Rewards Services rapidly deployed digital passes to enable remote employees to continue enjoying the benefits they get at the workplace, even at home. At the same time, Sodexo’s in-house workplace consultancy - Wx, can help organisations implement solutions to facilitate hybrid work and optimise space usage in offices.
3. Contactless and Digitalisation
From tap-to-pay to digitally enabled meal deliveries, 2020 has hyper-accelerated the adoption of technologies, with 44% of employees looking for contactless, pick up or food delivery services. To meet this demand, Sodexo has accelerated our deployment of such technologies, from partnering with Meican in China for employees to pre-order and have meals delivered to the workplace, to touch-free beverage vending machines in India. This ensures that consumers are able to enjoy mealtimes and tea breaks, with a wider variety of choices with the assurance that health and safety are taken care of. Equipment maintenance has also been digitalised, with the recent launch of Sodexo Healthcare Technical Maintenance app in India, to help healthcare institutions find the support they need to keep their equipment in tip-top condition.
4. Health and Wellbeing
With the various stresses that 2020 has brought, we are seeing a focus on and more open conversations about mental health, a subject that is often taboo in some territories in Asia. In fact, 73% of Gen Zs across the Asia Pacific region report elevated stress levels (Sandpiper), with another recent study highlighting that 57% of Asian consumers are looking at brands to support them with maintaining their mental and emotional well-being (GlobalData). To meet this increased demand, Sodexo’s Benefits and Rewards Services offers Multi-Benefits solutions, where consumers can leverage on wellness programmes as part of their employee benefits. For those working from home, they might also want to refer to some healthy nourishing recipes from Sodexo’s Love of Food magazine as well.
5. Sustainability
Purpose-driven, sustainable businesses were a priority prior to COVID19. As various lockdowns in the region impacted the flow of goods across borders, consumers saw the importance of sustainable, local businesses that support the local economy. 77% of consumers in Asia Pacific agree that supporting local businesses is more important than buying from larger, multinational brands (GlobalData). As part of Sodexo’s BetterTomorrow 2025 plan, we continue to prioritise small and local businesses, such as Australian Indigenous Coffee, an Indigenous-owned business in Australia, to diversify and protect our supply chain from interruptions and support the local community. Meanwhile, Benefits and Rewards services continue to support the growth of local economies, by driving business volume to independent small merchants and mom-and-pop stores.
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