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58 technology allowed the industry to continue doing business without the risks inherent in face-to-face interaction. e recent survey of the real estate industry conducted by Researchscape showed 36% of real estate stakeholders felt their personal safety had been compromised in order to conduct a real estate business transaction during the pandemic. We saw evidence of this concern when notary availability dropped to an all-time low while the volume of mortgage applications increased. Although notaries were declared essential workers, some opted out of in-person signings to protect themselves and their families from the risks of contracting the virus. As we have returned to face-to-face interaction, safety remains a concern. Our survey showed that 79% of real estate professionals believe that wearing a mask is a necessity, and they will not do in-person business without one. ose concerns make sense considering 39% of respondents said someone in their company has tested positive for COVID-19, 22% have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, and 9% have tested positive for COVID-19 themselves. Safety was also the number one concern of buyers and sellers, with 28% of buyers and 33% of sellers citing safety concerns due to in- person contact during the home buying process. DIGITAL READINESS IS FINALLY A PRIORITY In response to the pandemic, 49% of survey respondents have new digital service offerings, and 46% are preparing more contactless customer interactions. Forty-four percent have most of their total workforce working remotely, and 19% indicated all their workers are remote. Yet, 30% cited figuring out how to use technology not used previously as one of the biggest challenges to their productivity or business success while working from home. COVID-19 forced rapid readiness. But, as you are equipping your teams with technology, be thorough in the process. During the pandemic, we heard anecdotes about buyers and sellers asking for contact- free notarizations during closing. While Remote Online Notarization (RON) was available, many consumers were never offered an alternative to in-person signings. A crucial part of digital readiness is ensuring that the entire organization understands the technology and is empowered to optimize its use and adoption by all stakeholders. It is also critical to choose technology partners that will offer training and support so that systems are not only successfully installed but truly utilized. In large enterprises with multiple locations or a distributed workforce, testing new technology or systems via a pilot period can be more efficient. Embarking on a phased rollout can smooth the transition and develop internal champions that can support change. THE PANDEMIC STRESSED SYSTEMS AND PEOPLE COVID-19 was not only a stress test for the industry but its people. e recent States Title sponsored survey revealed that 43% of respondents said that the pandemic has "somewhat" or "significantly" increased their stress levels. irty-three percent said that loneliness due to lack of interaction with coworkers had impacted business success and productivity during the pandemic. Further, 34% said their work relationships with other stakeholders had been strained during COVID-19 due to pandemic-related productivity issues, slowdowns, and process inefficiencies. While digital readiness cannot eliminate all stress, it can reduce tensions from inefficient workflows or outdated processes which are unsustainable given our new normal. Organizations must not ignore the needs of their teams. e survey indicated that the industry has, in fact, taken positive steps in protecting the well-being of its people. Forty A crucial part of digital readiness is ensuring that the entire organization understands the technology and is empowered to optimize its use and adoption by all stakeholders. Feature By: Max Simkoff