An Employee Perspective: Key COVID-19 Considerations for Businesses

In a matter of days, information about COVID-19 was being published across every news platform. In weeks, shelves became baron and shoppers frantic. In months, communities have actively taken strides to cautiously adjust to their new normal. As an employee that has transitioned from a steady full time job, to remote work, to being temporarily laid off, to returning to the office, there are a few aspects of the new workplace that I wish more employers would take into consideration to provide better support for both customers and employees.

Here are a few concepts that I think employers, business owners and operators should take into consideration to better support all stakeholders in their return.

A Meaningful Communication Strategy.
Details are important, especially in a crisis. Having the resources and knowledge of your organizations strategy to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on both the employees and customers (stakeholders in general) can make a world of difference. I transitioned to a new position, at a new organization in a completely different industry. With the added pressures of COVID-19, I felt secure in being presented with my new employers COVID-19 mitigation plan and health and safety information. The lesson, being that regardless of how your stakeholders engage with your organization, they will benefit from meaningful communications. This includes how you are approaching health and safety with the onset of new challenges.

A Health & Safety Plan.
In my humble opinion, all organizations no matter their size should have a comprehensive health and safety plan. In the context of COVID-19, the information included in such a plan can provide an enhanced degree of understanding, knowledge and support for employees and customers alike. From how employees should respond to a customer that has tested positive to another employee that is symptomatic, can really make all the difference to enable stakeholders to regain a level of comfort in the space again.

Be Original.
Do you remember in grade school when your mom told you ‘copying is a compliment’? Back then, I hated this rationale for someone (mostly my younger sister) copying the way I dress, my likes, dislikes – you name it, it was deemed a ‘compliment’. In the context of COVID-19, the way many businesses reacted to public health guidelines to keep customers and teams safe in the workplace was rightfully reactionary. But instead of developing a strategy that aligned with the needs of the business, the hesitations of their customer base and their employees, I saw many businesses simply choose to copy the practices of others, even when it didn’t really fit their model. For the businesses that were innovative in the strides they took to welcome their stakeholders back to the space and keep the customer journey AND safety front of mind, we thank you for your efforts!

These are just a few concepts that I offer for consideration as you work to navigate your new normal.

In your recent experience, have you noticed something in your workplace that you wish your employer paid more attention to, or something your favorite small business should take into consideration relative to COVID-19? Share with us in the comments below!