Coronavirus has disrupted supply chains for nearly 75% of U.S companies.
This proves how business disruptions have a ripple effect which can be disastrous for many small businesses. To combat this, we must minimize disruptions to keep business running smoothly.
Not sure how to keep your company running like a well-oiled machine? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are seven ways to reduce business disruptions.
1. Review Your Business Continuity Plan
If you’re unsure how to prevent business disruption, create a business continuity plan. The plan should include what to do if an employee is ill, how to accommodate team members who don’t feel safe, and how to help if schools or childcare centers are closed.
Outline pain points that will have a negative impact on your company so you can minimize business disruption. For instance, set up commuting options for your employees in case public transport is reduced or it’s too dangerous.
Don’t forget to contact your supply chain partners so there are no hiccups later on. Consider increasing stock so you can continue trading even in a pandemic.
2. Contact Your Local Hospitals and Officials
Nearly 86% of internet users have been duped by misinformation.
Because of this, businesses must communicate with their local hospital to find out what resources are available so there’s an emergency plan.
It’s important you’re updated with practices that may affect your organization. For instance, many companies impose a 14-day quarantine period if an employee has been to an affected region while others ask for 21-days.
Ask medical advisors so you find the best solution and create a plan so employees have salaries throughout. You should contact Emerging Diseases at the Department of Health for this information.
You can also turn to the World Health Organization so you have up-to-date details about the pandemic and ensure employees can access this too.
3. Communicate With Your Team and Clients
A surefire way to prevent a business disruption is to stay connected with your team and clients. Before the business interruption, ask for your employees’ basic information so you can communicate when they’re not in the workplace.
Alongside emails, host chats or events through live channels and use productivity tools like Slack. And to further streamline the process, dedicate a team to regularly communicate with your employees and customers. Inform them about your strategy, health and safety protocols, and any workplace business disruptions.
If not, employees and customers will speculate which can then lead to mistrust and fear.
4. Maintain a Safe Workplace
Employers must create a safe and healthy workplace regardless. Be prepared for employees not wanting to work in certain areas or work alongside a large number of people. Because of this, employers need to ensure their team isn’t working in close proximity.
Again, mention these in daily emails to your team so they know what to do.
Place hand sanitizers around the workplace and post instructions like “wash your hands frequently“ and “stay home if you feel unwell”.
And, in case there's a natural disaster, workplaces should always have a 1000 KW generator so the workday isn't disrupted.
5. Make Sure Your Employees Can Work Remotely
Unless you’re in an industry like manufacturing, ask employees to work from home to prevent the spread of infection.
Make sure your employees have computers, a secure VPN, and essential tools or applications for the job. If not, create a robust contingency plan to minimize business disruptions and maintain a good workflow.
6. Host Virtual Sessions
Don’t worry if you can’t meet clients in-person, host virtual sessions instead. You can also set up appointments for an online consultation via your social media channels or website.
Remember to include your availability, a description about your services, and send out appointment reminders to your clients. Once sorted, use Messenger, Zoom, or Skype to host your sessions.
7. Establish a Strong Web Presence
Businesses need a strong web presence so they can update customers and reach new audiences. You should also create a Facebook and Instagram business account to regularly post photos or videos about your business.
Post about how your business has been affected during these times and pin it to the top of your Page. Businesses should also create an online storefront on social media so customers have another way to purchase your products. On this, you can create a product catalog, receive, and fulfill payments.
Create a content calendar to plan out posts for the next few weeks so you have a steady stream of valuable articles to post on your blog. Content marketing is a fantastic way of helping your online community while advertising your business.
Whether it’s YouTube videos or blog posts, make sure they have a consistent look and highlight how your business is unique.
A brilliant way to engage with customers is through Instagram videos as it's personal. You can also try stickers, polls, and host a Q&A session so customers have a sneak-peek into your business. Remember to encourage viewers to visit your website and further participate in your online community.
That's How to Minimize Business Disruptions
Now you know seven ways to minimize business disruptions whether it’s during a pandemic or natural disaster. Company continuity is key!
Employers must be transparent with their team and clients through emails or social media. Businesses should also seek advice from their local hospital for correct information and create a safe workplace.
And it’s essential businesses trade online to minimize disruptions and reach new audiences. Good luck on reducing your business disruptions and keeping your company productive!
