How technologies can help manage the social effects of social distancing

The quality of customer experience will be hardly affected by the quality of public health. The social side effects of social distancing brought by the pandemia is a crucial aspect in shaping the customer experience and deserve acute attention.

“Preventive measure” is the safe word to go back to shops, public places and common areas.

Governments are thinking about the procedures and regulations for the reopening of activities in complete safety.

Retailers know that  priority number one is to guarantee the recommended social distancing guidelines, take some technological preventive measure to manage store traffic and social distancing provide tools and services avoiding touch screen and shared devices.

But there is also another aspect. Keep on staying connected with customers with a different and safe approach will be a challenge in the new normal.

Customer, employee and store associates could get anxious in social interactions therefore the purchase funnel could be wildly more complicated then before. 

Technology could help to mitigate the effects of social anxiety by enabling effectual funnel without forgetting that the lack of social connections will require a very attentive care.

It will be necessary to re-think the way retailers and brands provides services and product. Customer services, omnichannel strategies, marketing automation and loyalty program will became increasingly important.