The COVID-19 pandemic is testing the limits of healthcare and economic systems across the world. In addition to disrupting lives, economies and societies, the pandemic has triggered the most severe recession in nearly a century – with the retail, travel and restaurant industries, among others, in tatters. Similar to the 2008/09 global financial crisis, which disproportionately hurt lower-income households, COVID-19 hit lower-wage workers first and hardest. The magnitude of the crisis confronts business leaders and policymakers with an unprecedented challenge.

Economic growth and social inclusion are not mutually exclusive; ample evidence supports the notion that interventions that promote inclusion often lead to stronger economic recoveries. While there will be no easy solutions, special attention must be given to interventions capable of accelerating desirable trends that are likely to shape the next normal. The distributional implications of automation and the future of work for the shape of the recovery will be examined.