Over the past year, COVID-19 has affected the world and paralyzed businesses. No one was ready for the pandemic, and business owners had to create new plans to prevent their companies from collapsing. Currently, the primary concern issue for every company leader is how to minimize the impact of the epidemic on businesses and employees. Company leaders have to worry about how to ensure the safety of their employees as they serve customers, return from vaccinations, and make business trips. Employers also face challenges related to the supply of raw materials and organizing tools for remote work. Companies have to take some measures to ensure that their businesses keep running. Here is how store owners can be more efficient with employees’ use of time during a pandemic.
- Cross-Functional Team. As a store owner, you should consider establishing a dedicated cross-functional team. This team will coordinate the various business activities and provide you with the necessary information for further communication with other employees. You will need to define the critical roles and positions in case of a force majeure. Remember that some employees may be unavailable due to factors like quarantine and illness. So, you should develop an effective process of management decision-making. Also, determine the safety of employees, such as cashiers and drivers, who must work on-site. Analyze your company’s priorities and focus your team’s effort on the crucial tasks.
- Effective Communication. Your behavior as a leader during a pandemic will have a lasting impact on your company, employees, and clients. Consistent and effective communication with your employees will strengthen your company and enhance its culture. Think of the future and remember that you will recover after the pandemic is gone.
- Remote Work Options. Consider establishing flexible and remote work options to keep your employees engaged and your business running. Things like quarantine after a business trip can lead to stress and an increased burden on your employees. Instead, have them work at home and check up on them to see how they are doing. Also, be prepared for increased absenteeism. You can prepare a temporary succession plan for some positions to counter absenteeism.
- Organize a Safe Working Environment. Creating a safe working environment is non-negotiable. You must purchase medical equipment and supplies like thermometers and antibacterial products. Implement a self-monitoring program for your employees and ensure you disinfect your workplace. You can also organize psychological and financial support such as emergency assistance and regular payroll payments. You can also review your sick leave policies. For instance, you can provide for a temporary absence from work without the need to provide a doctor’s note. Creating such an environment will allow your employees to spend their time on productive tasks instead of thinking about how they will solve their problems.
If you believe that your employees are the most valuable assets to your company, you have to show up and support them. Communicate, plan, and be consistent. If your business is not doing well and you have an empty store, here is what to do with vacant retail space.