Council Post: Six Steps For Reopening Your Business Post-Pandemic

As we navigate the continual effects of the coronavirus, there are uncertainties about when and how businesses will reopen. One thing we know is that they eventually will reopen, and when they do, it is our responsibility as business owners and managers to ensure the safety of our employees, customers and clients.

As the owner of one of the largest restoration companies in Chicago, I am taking this time to consider how to establish healthy business operations and educate employees on safely returning to work.

Of course, when you’ll be able to reopen your business depends on a variety of factors, including your local and state government’s rules and the impact of the coronavirus in your area, according to USA Today. When the time comes and you’re able to reopen your doors without putting customers or employees in harm’s way, consider these six steps to developing a health-conscious plan:

1. Keep up with social distancing. 

“Social distancing” is now a widely used term, and I predict that its use will likely continue after the pandemic. As businesses begin opening their doors, think of how you might still allow for social distancing.

For example, you can ensure there is an adequate amount of personal space among staff and find appropriate ways to minimize large groups. This can be accomplished by having smaller group meetings and putting a cap on the number of people allowed inside your business at one time.

2. Step up your regular cleaning practices.

Now is the time to take your cleaning efforts to a whole new level, with an increased focus on sanitizing high-traffic areas such as sinks, doorknobs, handrails and countertops.

As you begin to reopen your business, take measures to ensure your customers, team members and yourself are prioritizing hygiene. A one-time cleaning is not enough. I suggest making sure your business is deep-cleaned more frequently, and be sure to follow any workplace recommendations set forth by the CDC and WHO.

3. Create a health-conscious environment.

Similar to following guidelines by the CDC and WHO for workplace cleaning, check for updates on the best ways to create a health-conscious environment. This could mean adding more hand sanitizers throughout the office or having masks on-hand for those who feel their health might be compromised.

But the cleanest and healthiest environments come from everyone doing their part. When employees begin returning to work, conduct cleanliness and hygiene training in accordance with CDC and WHO recommendations to educate staff on how they can help maintain a safe working environment.

Designate an hour a week for employees to wipe down their work stations, and use a cleaning checklist to ensure nothing is missed.

While this might feel uncomfortable for some, it will likely be well-received and appreciated during these unprecedented times.

4. Reevaluate working while sick.

Some employees like to “tough it out” and come to work even when they are sick, but this can cause more harm than good. Employees who feel ill should have the option of working from home or be able to use sick pay while take time off to heal.

While working from home is a new structure for a lot of companies, if you haven’t yet adopted any remote options, consider if there are any ways to make it work for your business. Start by creating a work-from-home policy that sets clear expectations for employees regarding accountability and work time.

5. Continue using virtual communication.

As many of us are learning, working from home can be successful. Conference calls, video meetings and webinars are effective forms of virtual communication, and they help minimize foot traffic while still accomplishing your business goals. As we begin to conduct business as usual, consider continuing using these virtual communication techniques whenever possible to help minimize foot traffic in your office.

6. Develop a solid disaster plan.

From my perspective, one of the biggest struggles small businesses have had during this time is that most of us weren’t prepared for an outbreak. However, since we now know what can happen without preparation, businesses should take this time to develop a plan to follow should another crisis occur in the future.

For example, to minimize downtime, you might include in your plan a clearly defined work-from-home structure or update your sick leave policy.

We are all in this together.

It will take a while for every business to reopen, but we can start prioritizing the health and safety of our employees and customers today. We are all in this together as we navigate what it means to run a successful business once the pandemic has subsided.