What is the positive aspect of this crisis?

Olivier Marion, Managing Director of Bühler for North Africa, Central Africa and West Africa

“This crisis is generating new ways of working. We now realise that remote working is a viable solution, after a certain period of adaptation. This unprecedented context has shaken up individuals around the world and within our Group, and in both cases, ideas are emerging. Within Bühler, some ideas born during this crisis will outlive it. I am thinking in particular of remote technical assistance; these are innovations that are coming into being and some of which have already been implemented.”

Sanaa Sayagh, Managing Director of Roche Maroc

“In my view, this crisis brings us back to essential values. This context shows us that priority must be given to health in terms of human resources, but also in terms of research and development, and infrastructure. This crisis also teaches us that other paths are possible, notably that of digitalisation. Today, what matters is that everyone remains vigilant and positive. In this respect, managers and those in charge have a duty to set an example and spread it within their teams.”

Naoufel Filali, Public Affairs Director at Novartis

“The surge of solidarity nationally and within our teams is very positive and very encouraging. It is really important to focus on the present and on the help we can provide. Moreover, this context is giving rise to innovative solutions, everything to do with digital platforms, which are likely to take up even more space in the future. For the present, what is essential is to ensure smooth communication in order to keep our teams informed of the situation and give them a perspective. It is absolutely necessary to reaffirm the needs of one’s customers, because certainties no longer apply in times of crisis. We must listen to the field teams and show agility and responsiveness. This crisis shows us that some models can be reimagined, notably thanks to digitalisation.”

Christophe De Figueiredo, Managing Director of Swissport Maroc

“We are experiencing a situation that even the greatest science-fiction films had not imagined. What matters today is to follow the Government’s instructions, and what is certain is that since the beginning, social ties seem to have been growing stronger. That is a positive aspect. Solidarity initiatives are emerging. We have our future in our hands. From a business point of view, in our highly fragmented market, I think there will be a redistribution of roles and that some companies will come out on top. When the crisis is over, I hope a sense of euphoria will take hold of the people who have been confined, which will have beneficial consequences for the airline sector and tourism.”

Julien Sonnerat, Managing Director of Schindler Maroc

“Since the beginning of this crisis, people have shown an ability to reinvent themselves, to come up with solutions to make their daily lives easier and safer, sometimes through very simple gestures. Some of our employees, for example, have found ingenious ways of washing their hands in their cars. In addition, this period is pushing us to be more human, more attentive to others, whether in the professional world or in a more private sphere.”