Uncertainty is uncomfortable… But also inspirational. Over the past few months, companies across America have pivoted to meet new demand and rethink operations for business recovery. They’ve combined creativity, determination, and technology to retool, retrench, and rebuild.
For example, new production lines, online shops, takeout, curbside service, home delivery, remote work, drive-by clinics, and telehealth were all inspired by uncertainty and need. If you’re looking to create your own roadmap to recovery, this three-step process is a great framework to manage your workforce through uncertainty.
1. Retool: Adapt and Alter
In the face of dramatic change and uncertainty, many businesses are choosing to adapt and alter the way they do business. “Retooling” is an optimistic response to challenging times. Essentially, this means finding a way to pivot to meet the times. For example, restaurants pivoted to accommodate curbside service, takeout, and delivery.
Additionally, essential manufacturers redesigned schedules to increase social distancing while meeting production requirements. Meanwhile, others reimagined their production lines to answer the call for essential items. Finally, hospitals and clinics established new protocols and ramped up emergency services to meet increased demand.
Employees are Suddenly Remote. Now What?
Employees across America are now working remotely whenever possible. The first hurdles have been crossed—Internet connection, video conferencing, phone rerouting, etc. Now is the time to think about how to make sure these workers are productive and focused.
Mobile time and attendance tracking help you know where your team members are working. Employees can use a smartphone or tablet to clock-in from any location. Social distancing and contingency planning make scheduling an ever more important and complicated task. And workforce efficiency can be the difference between staying open and closing the doors.
2. Retrench: Reduce or Diminish
During uncertain times, business continuity depends on sound financial management. Therefore, it’s more important than ever to stay on top of the different options available to your business.
For example, in recognition of the dramatic challenges facing small businesses in particular, the US government has passed historic legislation. Programs like the FFCRA and Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Safety (CARES) Act can help businesses mitigate the financial impacts of disruptions caused by the pandemic.
However, there are other ways you can “lean out” during this time of retrenching, including:
- Cutting delivery costs from paper checks
- Taking advantage of government tax incentives
- Utilizing payroll funding options to combat cash flow issues
- Avoiding business pitfalls to further mitigate risk
3. Rebuild: Building for the Next Normal
Businesses will rebuild as the economy reopens. However, lessons learned during retooling and retrenching directly influence these plans. For example, mobile time tracking and employee scheduling tools to support greater business agility, cost-effectiveness, and employee engagement.
And if you need more help getting back on track, SDP has specifically curated special return to work and safety solutions to further aid in the rebuilding process.
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We are living and working in unprecedented times. Social distancing, remote work, and uncertainty are the new normal. Further, business leaders across America are revisiting how they manage their teams and comply with new rules.
For more resources on how to navigate returning to work post-pandemic, be sure to check out our COVID-19 Resources Hub. And don’t forget to follow us out on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for even more business tips & tricks!
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