“Change is the only constant” isn’t just a maxim anymore. With the Coronavirus reawakening us to the serious consequences of a pandemic illness, and reminding us just how easily a virus can spread in our crowded, busy, mobile world, we know that our eventual return to “normal” will not be what we had before the outbreak. No, not all environments will undergo the drastic transformations that hospitals and mass transit are facing; but, the pervasive call to prevent another global shutdown means that we will all see changes in our work and personal environments. eDiscovery is no exception. In a world that requires more distance, eDiscovery is already poised to continue its mission, near or far. Here are the top ways that we at Digital Mountain are already seeing the next new normal emerge:
- 1. Mass data transfers via Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) are reducing the need for shipping. Conversely, the proliferation of remote data collection kits has increased the need for shipping.
- 2. In the workplace, organizations, including libraries, law firms, and other paper dependent entities, are considering the use of Ultra-violet disinfection which can sanitize surfaces with little to no damage.
- 3. Automated contact tracing is growing as countries around the world look to reduce the time it takes to notify people potentially exposed to contagions.
- 4. Daily health screenings, predominately thermal scanning for elevated body temperatures, are helping to keep workers on the job while reducing exposure to potentially ill co-workers. Additionally, hand sanitizer, gloves, face shields, and single use masks are showing up on regular supply orders.
- 5. We’re meeting and collaborating remotely rather than in crowded meeting rooms or conference centers.
- 6. As a result of these virtual meetings, Zoom, Skype, WebEx, and other chat logs which can record video conference data and metadata are seeing growth as discovery request items.
- 7. Courts are routinely conducting arraignments, hearings, and testimony remotely, as well as, accepting remote arrangements for depositions and conferences.
- 8. Document reviewers are being impacted by the need to review documents remotely on personal networks – a situation that may lead to data exposure and decreased review speeds but is preventable with the right eDiscovery solution.
- 9. When we do get back in the office, technology companies will be embracing floorplans that increase social distancing, potentially returning to more traditional office design, with additional infrastructure for remote collaboration.
- 10. Alternatively, many companies are embracing remote work from home arrangements for as much as their workforce as possible, including social media leader Twitter.
- 11. Increased work from home arrangements necessitate increased security – both physical and cybersecurity – for employees who now have more company equipment in their homes and data on their devices. In fact, the “want-list” for new home construction is likely to include work from home considerations, not just a bedroom with enough room for a desk.
- (https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamarruda/2020/05/07/6-ways-covid-19-will-changethe-workplace-forever/#138c958323e7).
- 12. In those organizations which are not allowing employees to work from home, increased pressure to grant employee’s work from home requests is likely to increase. A pre-COVID-19 poll found that more than half of employees said they would consider leaving a job for one that permitted remote work.
- (https://www.gallup.com/workplace/283985/working-remotely-effective-gallupresearch-says-yes.aspx).
The changes we’re going to experience as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic may be inevitable, but they don’t have to stop us from innovating and collaborating. At Digital Mountain, we’re working to provide the same superior eDiscovery, cybersecurity, computer forensics, and data analytics services you’ve come to rely on, but in ways that help keep you, your employees, and your clients be safe and healthy.
Please direct questions and inquiries about electronic discovery, computer forensics, cybersecurity and data analytics to info@digitalmountain.com.
