What Your Small Business Needs to Do (During the Coronavirus Pandemic)
We know that the Coronavirus pandemic is causing havoc on small business operations, but there are things your small business can do to help curb some of the fallout. Besides keeping the office and store disinfected, washing your hands, and promoting a clean environment, businesses can offer their employees flexibility, remote access, and reduce meetings or travel. All which will help reduce risk and protect your employees and customers during this time.
With a rapid spread, the COVID-19 is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. But there are steps you can take to help your employees and customers alike. First, establish a remote work option. Use programs like Zoom or Skype to conduct weekly meetings and have a set schedule of what each employee is responsible for. This means reducing face-to-face meetings and work-related travel.
Make sure you give those remote employees the flexibility they need to be productive. With so many schools closing, some of your employees will find themselves caring for their children and even needing to be available if their child’s school has turned to distance learning. If that’s the case, let there be a broader work schedule, so they have the time needed to wear so many different hats. Try to be as understanding as possible, after all, this is affecting us all in different ways.
Don’t be afraid to let your customers know what’s going on with your small business. We are all in this together, and customers will empathize with businesses who communicate to them what is going on and how you are handling your particular situation.
Most importantly, be very regimented with cleanliness. Follow the CDC guidelines to help keep everyone safe and to prevent the continued spread of COVID-19. Avoid shaking hands, wash your hands frequently, try not to touch your face, and constantly clean surfaces.
It might not be business as usual, but it can still be business in these unprecedented times. Being proactive is the best step you can take to ensure your business and its employees stay healthy and will survive this pandemic.
