Since early this year, COVID-19 has forced widespread shutdowns and work–from–home adjustments worldwide. Now, we are seeing some countries ease restrictions for businesses to reopen — attempting to stabilise the economy.  

But every owner must face this truth: As we continue to face COVID-19, there will be a “new normal“ in how we do business. 

With that, we must decide on the best adjustments to move forward and continue to provide quality customer service amid this new normal.  

So, where do you start? 

Start by redesigning your business plan. 

Brace Your Business for the New Normal with These Steps

Reinvent your business plan 

Reinvent your business plan

Before anything else, sit back, assess, and start creating a new plan that would help your business pivot to the new normal.  

Make changes in your staff’s KPIs, office policies, , and marketing and sales strategies. For example, you may decide to put more focus on selling your products online, since most of your customers might choose to stay at home.  

Designing and implementing a new business strategy is both complicated and strenuous. But trust us, it will all be worth it. 

Get started with these guides: 

Restructure your employees’ work setting   

Restructure your employees' work setting

Reconstruct your work environment in a way that protects your employees from getting infected. Below are some ways to achieve that: 

  • Remind employees to practice and maintain social distancing within the office. 
  • Workstations should be at least 6 feet apart from each other. 
  • Avoid inter-office gatherings. 
  • Allow half of your employees to continue working from home to limit office population. 

Your office will feel and look different. But making efforts to reduce the spread the virus is enough to ease anxious thoughts and feelings. 

RECOMMENDED: 8 Helpful Tips to Maintain an Effective Remote Team 

Continue to promote safety measures  

Continue to promote safety measures

Aside from practising social distancing, promote healthier and hygienic measures.  

Place posters and visual markings around the office that encourage social distancing, hand-washing, and other safety practices.  

Keep also your employees informed with the latest COVID-19 news and announcements. Likewise, update your management of new safety measures the government has implemented — and follow them religiously.  

Make mental health a priority 

Make mental health a priority

COVID-19 doesn’t only affect our physical health. It can also harm our mental health, with experts predicting a rise in anxiety, stress, and depression in the future. When your employees come back to work, make sure you do the best you can to keep them mentally healthy. 

Plan out activities and programs that aim to boost the overall well-being of your employees.  

Organise mental health workshops that look to reduce anxiousness and stress. You can also hire in-house psychologists and encourage staff to visit if they need a person to talk to.  

By doing this, you won’t only have a productive workforce, but also a happier one.

Seek help 

Seek help

Whether it’s from the government, a business partner, or anyone from your industry, now is the time to ask for help. Contact the government agency in your region who are in-charge in providing businesses loans or grants. 

Aside from financial assistance, ask your business partners what they’re doing to ensure business stability. Learn from them and try to replicate their ideas. 

We are living in stressful times. Working together as a community will help ease the burden.  

RECOMMENDED: 5 Resources and Grants to Sustain Australian Businesses During COVID-19 

Take Small Steps

There is no definitive date when this crisis would end. And even though some states are allowing businesses to operate, it’s necessary to stay prepared — and make adjustments when necessary. 

We are living in one of history’s most overwhelming and uncertain times.  

Having a clear idea on how you are going to proceed will reduce stress, boost your confidence, and build hope for the future. So, start taking those first few steps today. 

Visit our Business Continuity page for more resources and tips for your business to bounce back.Â