With a deadly virus sweeping the globe rapidly, the economy is taking a hit. The lasting affects of this virus are expected to grow exponentially once the virus inevitably spreads through the united states. As a small business owner, you feel economic effects more deeply than large corporations, so you need to be prepared for all of the possibilities. Here are a few ways you can help your business prepare in the wake of COVID-19.
Invest In Making Your Business Sanitary
Sanitation is good for business. It will not only keep your customers and employees safe and healthy, but it will help your business stay in tip top shape while some others suffer during an epidemic. Keeping your employees hygienic can be done easily by providing multiple touch free hand sanitizing stations, several easily accessible areas for employees to wash their hands with warm water and soap frequently, and no pressure for sick employees to come into the workplace while they are infected. Beyond your employees you can get your actual business fully sanitized by cleaning companies that specialize in fighting germs. This does not have to wait until your employees all get sick. Schedule frequent cleanings to help diminish the possibility of a companywide bug taking over.
Cross train employees
You need to be prepared for your employees to miss work. If an employee plays a pivotal role in the company and their duties cannot be halted, then you need to make sure multiple people are trained to perform those tasks. Having well trained employees that are interchangeable throughout the workforce will make sure that your business keeps operating even if your staff gets sick.
Maintain supply chains
Many supplies, especially for retail and service-oriented jobs, rely heavily on supply chains. Currently many supply chains that start outside of the united states have ground to a halt. As the virus spreads more supply chains will inevitably be affected. You need to make sure you have access to your supplies and make sure your suppliers have back up plans, and that you have a backup plan in case that fails.
Acquire help
Help can come in many forms, but when money gets tight and you need capital to help keep your doors open, it may be time to seek some funding. Funding can help you cover costs for any preparations you may need to do and may help keep the lights on when business slows.