Now that we are officially in November, the winter months are fast approaching and many businesses that have been enjoying some stability throughout the warm summer period, are now once again facing threats from a resurgence of Covid-19 this flu season. While no one can precisely predict what this winter flu season will bring, it is almost guaranteed that more restrictions will be put in place as cases rise. This means that businesses need to be prepared to adapt to the constantly-changing situation quickly while protecting themselves and their employees as much as possible.
Here are three factors to consider to prepare your business for this upcoming, unpredictable winter season.
Look to eCommerce
With many areas of the world going into some form of lockdown once again, people are being forced to stay in the safety of their own homes. And even if your customers aren’t currently in a lockdown, they will be more inclined to stay indoors nonetheless. That means that if you have a brick and mortar business, it is inevitable that you will, unfortunately, see less footfall compared to previous years. What was once the busiest time of the year, in terms of physical footfall on the streets, is this year, looking to be the opposite. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that people won’t be spending money this winter and Christmas season. It is just much more likely that the majority of consumers will be looking to do this from their homes, turning towards online shopping instead. Therefore, now is the time to take a look at your business plan, re-strategize, and focus on growing and putting all of your efforts into your eCommerce platforms if you want to be able to stand strong and thrive against competitors in this current unstable economy.
Keep encouraging social distancing
Social distancing rules should be implemented across all businesses, whether you own a shop, or oversee an office or production and manufacturing floor. While each industry will have its own social distancing challenges, this policy needs to be put in place to prevent the spread of both Covid-19 as well as the influenza virus amongst your employees while at work. Social distancing has shown to be a proven and effective measure against the virus, and to flatten the curve, so keep an eye out for any spikes in cases and constantly re-tighten and re-work your social distancing measures to mitigate the spread to keep your employees safe. Always make sure to thoroughly disinfect daily, regardless of any spikes, using a professionally experienced and qualified company such as Royal Plus.
Be prepared for there to be absences
With both the flu and Covid-19 making the rounds, it is, unfortunately, the season for illnesses. Therefore, as a business owner, you need to be sure that you are prepared for unexpected, but inevitable, absences to keep your business running more or less smoothly. While it is impossible to always 100% prepare for such things, ensure that all of your employees are aware of the company attendance policy that is currently in place. Also make sure that they know that they should not come in if they are exhibiting any symptoms, or have been in close contact with anyone who has been confirmed to have the virus. Look to invest in a mass notification system for businesses, which are excellent in emergencies, making shift management and cover easy no matter your industry. Once you have been informed that someone is unable to work, you and your management team can send out a link to the rest of your employees to prompt them to fill out a poll as to whether or not they can cover the shift, ending once filled.