Date of Publication: December 1, 2020

Author: KPMG

Summary:

Established patterns of office-based working and business travel are likely to be forever changed, forcing many sectors to adapt or risk extinction. Yet, the urgency of the crisis has also catalyzed levels of creativity and action never seen before. COVID-19 appears to be prompting improvements in the governance of ESG at large companies as well as fresh understanding of the importance of the company’s role in, and impact on, society. While environmental issues remain a key focus, social issues like people’s safety, physical and mental health, loneliness and social inclusion have become a new priority. Mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on the supply chain is a critical priority for business; at the same time the crisis is leading to a reassessment of the complex global supply chains developed over the last 20-30 years and increased interest in localized and circular supply models that may be more resilient to disruption. The crisis has catalyzed a new level of co-operation between governments and business as both understand the risks if they fail to respond to the needs of society at a potentially volatile time in our history. Investor interest in ESG continues unabated with a focus on what companies are doing to

Link to Full Reading:

https://assets.kpmg/content/dam/kpmg/xx/pdf/2020/10/prioritizing-in-a-pandemic.pdf