COVID-19 restrictions in different states have affected the income and operations of businesses. But with the lockdown lifted, many are starting to bounce back. This is positive news for those most affected, such as those working as a bartender, hairstylist, or masseuse. With stores and shops reopening, stricter regulations have been placed, especially those operating in enclosed, crowded, air-conditioned areas where the virus can spread much faster. It can be difficult to adjust to the new safety measures and guidelines, bringing additional stress to business owners. Here are some steps you can take for a successful reopening.
Think of a plan that will keep your customers and employees safe.
Safety is and should always be your number one priority for any business plans during these tough times. Not only do you help in preventing the transmission of the virus, but you can also get the green light to reopen your business a lot faster.
For starters, you need to rethink all your cleaning schedules and practices. Focus on the most frequently touched areas in the workplace, including doorknobs, counters, bathrooms, and break rooms. All must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after every or every other use. Some disinfectants, although effective, can give off fumes that may be very dangerous once inhaled. For the best disinfectants and cleaning apparatuses, you should always refer to guides provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Proper personal protective equipment or PPEs are also a good and needed investment. Face masks, face shields, and gloves must always be on hand for your employees. You should also never serve customers who visit your business wearing no protective equipment. Doing so will ensure safety and help limit any possible transmission of the virus.
Finally, you should always review the federal guidelines in your state. With COVID-19 being as unpredictable as it is, these guidelines are constantly changing. Staying updated will help you adhere to any new guidelines much faster and ensure that your business has a steady run.
Invest in virtual programming and services even after the lockdown.
Because people are stuck at home, virtual services have been a big help for many. Whether it be for staying in touch, schooling, or business, we can all agree that the Internet will continue to be vital in this day and age, even once lockdowns are completely lifted.
Some businesses such as Facebook and Fujitsu have been considering the idea of working remotely for the foreseeable future. It seems that remote working will be here to stay, with companies investing in long-term work-from-home plans. Doing so ultimately saves time and money, unlike the typical 9 to 5 schedule that would require a daily commute, lunch out, and more.
Besides, most customers are already quite used to doing their transactions online. Many are reluctant to go out again.Sixty percent of the adult population in the UK want to stay at home even after COVID-19. Thus, investing in virtual programming that can deliver services over the Internet is a necessary move. Such investments can be as simple as websites, online customer service, virtual delivery, and pick-up services that will help you keep up to date and up to the demands of your customers.
Reflect on your company and if it is worth keeping after lockdown.
As you plan to reopen your business, it is also a good time to reflect and strategize on your company’s possible future. You must go over your products and services and ask yourself if they are good enough to stand the test of time and remain relevant to modern-day consumers’ needs past the end of the lockdown.
These reassessments will help you know if you need to change your course altogether or make slight alterations to your business. Some restaurants have permanently changed their menu with more streamlined options and family meals to fit their customers’ new lifestyles. Suppose you do not think about the foreseeable future of your company. There is a possibility that you might end up in unrecoverable bankruptcy, like some carnivals and bars that have been forced to close down due to their unwillingness to adapt to the new world.
All in all, even with dozens of unthinkable disruptions seemingly happening left and right, it doesn’t mean you should give up on your business. These struggles are all temporary and may aid you in growing your company. As a business owner, the ability to overcome adversity will say a lot about your company’s structure and core values, which will only attract even more consumers and better opportunities.
