How are you coping with the coronavirus pandemic and its effect on your business? What are you doing to keep yourself and your employees safe? It’s a new world for the time being, and everyone is learning as they go. As you continue to protect your organization, here are some tips and ideas:
Implement Your Emergency Preparedness Plan
Does your company have an Emergency Preparedness Plan? Since 9/11 and other crises, in the meantime, most do. Even if your plan is not formalized or complex, now is the time to put it to use. It should include:
- Regular updates on relevant developments, changes, and steps being taken.
- Information on how employees can stay in touch with you – and each other – during this time.
Remote Work
Worldwide, people are sheltering at home to fend off coronavirus infection and spread. Social distancing is today’s global way of life, and, as much as possible, it should apply in the workplace as well.
- Your plan and policy should include information on employee eligibility to work remotely, along with related procedures and guidelines.
Keep Everyone in the Loop
Ongoing communication – always essential to business success – has taken on a new level of importance in recent days and weeks. In addition to keeping your team informed, it will help ease their stress and anxiety.
- Utilize the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for real-time updates. Scroll to its additional page for added business guidance.
- Relay pertinent information to your senior leaders, managers, employees, and other stakeholders ASAP. Send group memos, emails or texts, or hold online mandatory company meetings.
- Establish a regular communication schedule as part of your crisis management strategy. For instance, you may want to implement a daily morning or midday email update.
- Last but not least, reach out and show you care. What mental health resources can you offer through your EAP or other means? People’s lives have been turned upside down, virtually overnight, and many feel the added strain of isolation. Let them know they’re not alone.
Clean House
While people are at home – or even if they can’t be – ramp up your processes to clean and sanitize your business at this time.
- Stock up on soap, disinfectant and hand sanitizer.
- Ask those who must be on-site to disinfect their workstations frequently – at least once a day.
- Direct anyone who feels sick to stay home.
And an increased emphasis on handwashing goes without saying.
Government Relief for Businesses
If your company is struggling financially due to the coronavirus pandemic, there are a number of government resources available. Among them are:
- Low-interest federal disaster loans through the Small Business Administration (SBA).
- Coverage of paid sick and leave costs if you have an employer tax credit, equal to 100 percent of benefits issued.
In addition, income tax deferment has extended this year’s April 15 filing deadline for 90 days without penalty. This gives you a chance to use your tax liability funds to cover other, more pressing expenses.
Stay safe and well – and take care of yourselves, your loved ones, and your team during this unprecedented time. Remember, your PrideStaff Fresno team is here for you, too! #InThisTogether!