The Covid-19 pandemic has caused a lot of uncertainty and worry across the world and one of the hardest-hit sectors has been the economy. Many small businesses are struggling, as they have been told to close their doors in order to protect themselves. This disruption has pushed small business owners to do what they can to protect their employees and implement new health and safety measures. Fortunately, time and research have been able to provide us with information on how to protect ourselves and others against the virus, allowing all businesses to adapt and re-open their doors. If you own a small business, then here are six positive things you can do in response to coronavirus.
Provide Protective Gear
Providing your staff and customers with protective gear will ensure that they will be protected and that they will protect others. Buying purpose-designed products from a protective equipment manufacturer will ensure your staff stay safe during this difficult time. Always purchase items from a reputable manufacturer, not an online pop-up store.
Educate Your Staff
Your employees will be at the frontline when it comes to fighting against the coronavirus. This means that you should do everything in your power to educate your staff and keep them up to date with any changes within your business. This will help them protect themselves and their household and will provide them with the information to advise customers on how to keep safe during these uncertain times.
Examine Leave Policies
Leave policies should be non-punitive and flexible in order to allow sick employees to remain at home and keep away from their co-workers and customers. Leave should also be available to employees who need to stay home to take care of their children or care of unwell family members. Where possible, you should offer flexible hours and worksites in order to maintain social distancing.
Communicate with Customers
Communicating with your customers during this time is essential, as it will help them feel safe and secure when doing business with you, and it will keep them aware of any changes or adaptations you have had to make. This will make them feel like you care about them and want to keep them in the loop, making them feel like a part of your company. Social media is a great way to spread the word.
Follow Strict Guidelines
There are a number of strict guidelines that have been put in place since Covid-19 emerged. These guidelines have been created to protect people and reduce the spread of the disease, so adapting your business and doing what you can in order to stick to these guidelines will have a positive impact on your employees and customers, as it will keep them as safe as possible and reduce the spread in your local community.
Support the Community
During these difficult times, your small business won’t be the only one that has struggled to get by. Doing what you can to support your local community and help other small businesses that have also been hit hard since the pandemic arrived will build strong relationships and will protect the local economy. It will also create an extremely positive image of your business in the local area.
The coronavirus has had a devastating effect and will most likely cause some long-lasting changes that we will have to adapt to until things go back to normal. Your business may be small, but by doing positive things to protect yourself and others, you will make a big difference to your local community and surrounding businesses.