The devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across nearly all industries and around the world was swift and severe. As stay-at-home orders were enacted and businesses were forced to adapt, tighten or even temporarily close operations, the country - and the world - saw a seismic shift in the way commerce and essential work is carried out.
And yet, as unemployment levels climbed, in some industries, others struggled to keep up. . Some businesses experienced growth, requiring them to evolve and meet the moment. Growth led to an increase in their labor force and the dawn of a more direct-to-consumer way of life. In fact, the warehousing and distribution industries are some of the few areas of business where employment is higher than before the pandemic began. In September 2020, 1.25 million people were reported to be employed in manufacturing positions, 46,000 more than in February 2020.1