What to Do Once Quarantine is Over: Rebooting Your Business
As the world slowly starts emerging from the depths of self-isolation, it’s almost time to dust off your ‘open’ sign, unlock your front doors and welcome back your customers. But as we all navigate this new and somewhat shaky ground, there’s one question that supersedes all others: How can businesses safely reopen to ensure the best possible outcome in communities still shaken by COVID-19?
Setting Up for Success
The first step is to get informed. Regulations and government mandates regarding how businesses open after quarantine vary not only from state to state but in some cases, city by city. It’s imperative you understand what those policies are so you can institute best practices and protect both your employees and your customers, while keeping up with any changes as the advice evolves.
The CDC’s reopening guidance focuses on developing a plan for cleaning and disinfecting as well as adhering to social distancing and personal hygiene standards. If you work out of a brick-and-mortar location, cleanliness is paramount, including frequent disinfection of high-touch surfaces. If you run a service-based business that involves house calls, it will be even more important to consider personal protection equipment like masks and gloves — though some businesses are also asking customers to use masks, gloves and sanitizer on-site when possible.
Informing Your Employees
Though most of your team will likely be eager to get back to work, expect some trepidation as well. As of mid-April, 58% of participants in an NBC News poll said they supported keeping stay-at-home restrictions to help stop the spread of coronavirus while 32% are more concerned about the economy. It’s understandably a mixed bag.
You can help ease some of your employees’ fears by offering complete transparency. When it’s time to put your reopening plan into place, let your team know how you’ll be handling issues like hygiene and social distancing, what your expectations are in terms of scheduling and sick days and any other measures they should be aware of.
It’s also not a bad idea to involve your employees in the planning process. The more comfortable they are asking questions and offering advice, the more confidence they’ll have when it’s time to hit the ground running.
Getting the Word Out
Unless you’re an essential business that has been allowed to remain fully operational during the height of COVID-19 restrictions, you’ve likely been a little disconnected from your customers. Now’s the time to get back in touch and let everyone know your plans.
Social Media
While everyone has been stuck inside, they’ve been playing online. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have seen a 15% boost in search interest and mobile app usage is up considerably too. Post about your opening date, share a behind-the-scenes video of your preparations and detail your strategy for ensuring safety while also letting people get that much-needed haircut or burger and beer.
If you have an existing email list, now’s the time to hop on and inform your subscribers about what you have in store.
Online Listings
Update your information on sites like Google and Yelp to reflect current hours of operation. You’ll also want to let BBB know if you’re open during COVID-19 and if/when that status changes so they can display the appropriate badge on your Business Profile.
This is new territory for all involved and it’s not always easy to figure out how to move forward. Be flexible, be patient (with yourself and others) and know that you’re not alone.
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