The past decade has seen political polarisation – accelerated by social media’s filter bubbles and echo chambers – deepen and mutate. An ominous era of a polycrisis has shattered any remaining societal consensus. Meanwhile, powerful anti-establishment voices have stepped into the void.

COVID-19 brought the UK’s often forgotten essential workers into the spotlight as they took to the frontlines and kept the country running. Yet while they’ve been hailed as heroes by the public, government, and brands, what can be done to ensure they’re adequately supported post-crisis?

The pandemic has shaken up work culture across the US. There’s an increased demand for flexibility as well as growing interest in both upskilling and development. Canvas8 spoke to eight Americans to learn more about what they expect from employers in a post-pandemic world.

Ideologies once considered fringe are becoming more prevalent across society. One example is the anti-science movement, which has moved into the mainstream, opening up opportunities for brands and individuals to work together to combat the spread of potentially dangerous beliefs.

The pandemic has challenged American exceptionalism and starkly highlighted the country’s divides. Foreshadowing the need to rethink patriotic marketing, Budweiser’s January 2020 ‘Typical America’ ad offers an example of how to nail mass-market appeal among a polarised population.