The pandemic has crippled a lot of businesses around the world. When the virus spread in the United States, many businesses had to close. Some businesses implemented work-from-home arrangements for their employees. But others had to close down permanently despite the help they received from the CARES Act.
For businesses to continue operating, they need to implement changes in their policies and procedures to ensure they can ride the pandemic wave relatively unscathed.
Take Advantage of Social Media
With more than half of the global population using social media, businesses should also use it to market their products and services. To make it work, businesses should ensure their social media pages are up to date.
While using social media may sound easy, it takes more than just a good-looking social media page to attract customers. Businesses should consider investing in creating a social media marketing (SMM) plan. If the SMM plan is implemented properly, it may increase the sales of its products and services.
In this arena, engagement is the name of the game. This makes it necessary for the business to engage its customers. Engagement should be positive, making it important to have a good social media team to communicate with the customers.
Adopt Remote Work Arrangements
While the pandemic has compelled employees to stay at home, it doesn’t mean they have to be laid off. Many businesses have adopted work-from-home arrangements for their employees. The arrangement is viable for businesses in the services sector. But it doesn’t apply to the manufacturing sector where employees have to work on-site.
With many employees working online, the business’ network will experience higher-than-normal online traffic and affect its performance. Due to this, the business should increase its investment in technology to make network access easier. It will also have to increase its network capacity to accommodate more users.
Consider the Impact on Cybersecurity
The pandemic resulted in local governments issuing lockdowns and stay-at-home orders, particularly in areas with high transmission rates. The situation compelled businesses to implement work-from-home plans to facilitate business continuity.
But this also increased cybersecurity risks as vulnerabilities started to emerge in current remote work systems. Hackers have started to exploit these vulnerabilities to steal information. Cyberattacks have increased after the pandemic started. With this, companies need to adjust cybersecurity policies to safeguard their systems.
Get Assistance from the Government
Businesses can also ask for help from the government. While the CARES Act of the federal government provided a good source of emergency funds, businesses can also reach out to the local government for additional assistance.
The National League of Cities offers several options to help businesses weather the storm. These options include supporting the SBA loan application of businesses and postponing the payment of financial obligations to the city. These options give businesses the breathing room they need during the pandemic.
Prepare for a Return to Normal
Many businesses have implemented work-from-home arrangements for their employees. The situation may have numerous benefits for both the business and its employees. But it may not last long since a Covid-19 vaccine is already on the way.
While waiting for its arrival, businesses have to ensure their on-site equipment remains in tip-top shape in preparation for a return to normal. To ensure this, they can contract the services of companies, such as Pion, to maintain their equipment and keep them running.
Take Care of the Employees
While a business may focus on surviving the pandemic, it shouldn’t forget its employees. The business should regularly check the physical and mental health of its employees. Working with professionals will allow the business to keep its employees healthy, both physically and mentally.
Surviving the pandemic means a business should make changes to meet the challenges of the situation. When these changes are implemented properly, the business will have a better chance of weathering the storm and come out on top once the pandemic ends.