The COVID-19 crisis hit the business world like a ton of bricks. Many companies were just not prepared for the unprecedented restrictions and government shutdowns. As we slowly pull out of the crisis, companies may be heading for ‘new normal’ instead of ‘back to business.’ Defining that ‘new normal’ may be difficult, to say the least. However, you will handle at least a few of the following changes to the way you do business.
New Ways to Get Products to Customers
Some establishments sell directly to customers. They rely on customers physically coming into their stores. However, many stores and restaurants were closed during the height of the pandemic. Businesses that did remain open often had to be creative about connecting products to customers. Innovative solutions included curbside service, new online portals, and increases in home deliveries. In the new normal, many of these methods may continue.
Creating or Revamping Protocols
Some business owners and executives used their downtime to review protocols, particularly those regarding safety. The new normal for the business world may include new and improved protocols to help companies respond to new demands and better handle any future emergencies.
Protecting Workers and Customers in the New Normal
Companies will indeed need to comply with government-mandated safety guidelines. However, business owners may also want to provide additional protection for visitors, workers, and customers. Once safeguards are in place, it may be a great time to let everyone know that you care enough to address safety issues.
Remote Work and Telecommuting
One way for companies to continue operating while being shuttered was to allow, encourage, or even require employees to work from home. Surprisingly, some companies found that workers remained productive even when dealing with kids, pets, and other household issues. Business owners may want to assess whether working remotely is more cost-effective in the new normal due to decreases in on-campus costs.
Teleconferencing Instead of Travel
Working in some industries requires people to travel. Nailing down an average expense per business trip is difficult. However, American Express estimated that an average business trip that includes entertaining clients could cost about $2,500 per trip.
With new technologies and platforms, it may be easier on your budget to simply have teleconferences instead of traveling to meetings. Business travel probably won’t completely disappear but decreasing the number of trips your employees take could save money in the new normal.
Are You Concerned About Facing the New Normal for the Business World?
Some changes may be cataclysmic, while others actually bring about positive changes. If you have concerns about how your business will far in the new normal, give us a call to discuss any action you need to take.
Attorney Richard Sierra at the Florida Small Business Center assists clients like you with business and litigation matters. As always, Our Goal Is to Help You Succeed™. For an appointment, you may call us at 1-866-842-5202 or use the contact form on our website. We represent clients throughout the State of Florida, including Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Pompano Beach, Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Deerfield Beach, Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Orlando, Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Tampa, and surrounding communities.