Questions: Which statement about how the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way many businesses operated or will operate is accurate?

The answer is: Companies are expected to speed up their automation of many tasks that are repetitive and dangerous.

Explanation for each option:

1. Companies are expected to decrease their online presence and invest in perks like cafeterias to lure employees back.

   • This statement is inaccurate. The COVID-19 pandemic has actually accelerated the shift towards a stronger online presence for many businesses. Companies have recognized the importance of digital transformation and are likely to continue investing in their online capabilities. While some companies may offer perks to attract employees back to the office, decreasing online presence is not a general trend.

2. Companies like Brooks Brothers, who had both a brick and mortar store and an online presence, saw their business boom.

   • This statement is also inaccurate. Many traditional retailers, including Brooks Brothers, faced significant challenges during the pandemic. The shift to online shopping did benefit some businesses, but many brick-and-mortar stores struggled due to reduced foot traffic and changing consumer behaviors. Brooks Brothers, for instance, filed for bankruptcy in 2020.

3. While the number of employees working from home has increased, it is expected to drop back down to prepandemic levels rather quickly.

   • This statement is partially inaccurate. While some companies are encouraging employees to return to the office, many have adopted hybrid work models or even fully remote work arrangements as a permanent option. The pandemic has fundamentally changed attitudes towards remote work, and it is unlikely that the number of remote workers will drop back to pre-pandemic levels quickly.

4. Companies are expected to speed up their automation of many tasks that are repetitive and dangerous.

   • This statement is accurate. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerabilities in supply chains and the need for resilience in business operations. As a result, many companies are accelerating their adoption of automation technologies to handle repetitive and dangerous tasks. This shift helps reduce dependency on human labor for such tasks and can improve efficiency and safety.