The COVID-19 outbreak has caused disruptions all over the world, and odds are that your company is no exception.
During these uncertain times challenges abound. From keeping your workforce engaged to navigating the waters of disinformation, business owners face daunting tasks every day. The following tips will provide you with some guidelines so you are better prepared to meet these challenges head-on.
Adapt Your Services
Emergencies usually bring changes of some sort, but as a business person you may be particularly well prepared to face them. Adaptation is second nature for those who love to do business, and now’s the time to put those abilities to use. Think of what new needs may be arising and ask yourself how your business can contribute to satisfy them. The most common obstacle for businesses is that people can’t leave their homes right now, so a good guideline is to think of new ways of delivering your product or providing your services.
Avoid Disinformation
Getting reliable information during times of uncertainty is extremely important. Below you will find a list of official resources you can check constantly to stay up to date with the most recent developments about the COVID-19 outbreak. Whether it’s the extent of the outbreak, or the terms of the IRS tax relief, this is verified information you can trust.
Global: World Health Organization, Google.
Federal: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), US Government official Coronavirus website.
States (those most affected): New York, California, Washington.
Keep Your Team Engaged
It’s likely that your entire workforce, or part of it, is working remotely. Under the present conditions it’s important to keep your team engaged, even though the stress level may be high for everyone. Make sure everyone is updated about the current state of your operations and use a tool that allows your workers to interact via video chat (Zoom and Google Hangouts are good options.) Schedule regular meetings and ask your employees to exchange ideas constantly. Take every chance to have fun, and encourage your team to do the same.
Look After Your Mental Well-being
With all these challenges fighting for your attention it’s easy to overlook your mental wellbeing. Stress, fatigue, and anxiety are normal during these trying times, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t address them in some way. Accepting them as natural is a good start, but don’t be afraid to talk about them with someone you trust. If you have a therapist, they may be able to arrange a videoconference. Otherwise, you can call a good friend. If you do, don’t forget to offer your support as well.
