Five years after the corona crisis: what have we learned?
April 2025 - Five years ago, the coronavirus crippled the world. Lockdowns, working from home and uncertainty suddenly defined the entrepreneurial landscape. Now that the pandemic is behind us, it is time to look back critically: what lessons have we learned?
The vulnerability of physical business models
For many entrepreneurs, the initial lockdown was a sledgehammer blow. Shops, hospitality and event companies had to close their doors with no prospect of reopening. It painfully showed how dependent some businesses were on their physical location. The entrepreneurs who survived were the ones who shifted gears quickly: setting up webshops, organising takeaway and delivery services or offering online events. Digitalisation turned from a luxury into a necessity.
Working from home: stayer or passer-by?
What was first a stopgap solution became a long-term experiment. Working from home proved to be a viable and even more efficient form of work for many sectors. Entrepreneurs had to invest in digital infrastructure and find new ways to motivate and control teams. Yet not everyone was enthusiastic. For some companies, physical presence remained crucial, and many struggled with the decline in creativity and team cohesion. The conclusion? Hybrid working is the golden mean for many, but requires a thoughtful approach.
The illusion of stability
Many entrepreneurs went into the crisis thinking their business model was solid. However, the pandemic showed how quickly everything can change. Companies with a flexible financial plan and sufficient reserves turned out to be more resilient than those running on autopilot. The crisis taught us that agility is not a luxury, but a prerequisite for survival.
Government support: blessing or pitfall?
Governments jumped in massively with support measures, from temporary unemployment to compensation bonuses. For some companies this was the salvation, for others a temporary band-aid on a deadly wound. The lessons? Government support is useful in times of crisis, but entrepreneurs should be prepared for the fact that they will eventually have to continue on their own. Companies that became dependent on subsidies often found themselves in trouble after the pandemic.
Customer retention and crisis communication
Another crucial insight: companies that invested in customer relations during the pandemic came out stronger. Transparent communication, empathy and a personalised approach made the difference. Entrepreneurs who informed their customers about changes and kept them involved built loyal communities. Those who remained silent or waited lost customers.
The corona crisis was a hard learning curve. Entrepreneurs learned that flexibility, digitalisation and customer loyalty are essential. The next crisis - because it will inevitably come - will show who really learned from the past five years. Those who stick to the old normal are at risk again. Those who continue to innovate have a future.
