TLC column: Business operations and processes must evolve as economy reopens

Certain specifically named sectors of our economy have been allowed to come back to minimum basic operations, though with numerous restrictions attached. Some of these restrictions include screening employees for fever, cough, and shortness of breath, along with requiring social distancing within the workplace, as well as many other new operating requirements.

This column is meant to be informative concerning new operating outlooks as sectors of the economy return. In no way is this article meant to imply an argument for or against the merits of when and at what threshold we should “begin to return to a new normal.”

Much of what you will read here concerns the hospitality industry. However, most other sectors should expect similar types of protocol and may do well absorbing the information here. It is my hope the following information will help the reader recognize and understand that no matter what governmental orders are or are not in effect, a great onus is now placed on each business in our country to create protocols that make workers and employees feel safe in the months that lie ahead. I hope business owners will consider the suggestions below. This “new normal” will last far into the future.

Hospitality industry businesses can expect newly designed cleaning and sanitation protocols. They will come from many places – governments, health departments, brands, ownership groups, managers and more. These procedures will be implemented into the work environment citing several protocols that should be followed to maximize sound health and cleanliness within the workplace and minimize risk of viral infection and possible contagion.

Regardless of what protocols you adopt, consider designating a single person responsible for implementing and supervising specified measures to ensure well-being, cleanliness, and reduced health risks in the work environment. This person will be charged with administering all necessary action required to achieve maximum health standards, enabling employees to feel safe and comfortable at their place of work.

While everyone in a team will be responsible for working together to heighten cleaning, one person should be charged with the overall management, implementation and follow-up of new procedures.

Obviously, the frequency of which disinfection occurs for all common facilities will have to be increased. Though increased frequency is important, it is not enough by itself. Who is responsible for doing it? How are you or the designated person responsible for verifying how often and how thoroughly the cleaning occurs? Does it make sense to keep a log for certain processes? Who checks the log?

Cleaning procedures should also be obvious and blatant to both customers and employees. Make sure you’re going out of your way to show your commitment to safety.

Should a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 occur, procedures need to be in place that can be promptly followed to provide explicit direction on how to manage the circumstance.

 

Documents and records stating detailed preventive measures should be maintained and accessible. Having all employees versed in the preventive measures instituted by their employer is a must.

Business owners and managers need to ensure that they, along with their team, are following government orders, guidelines, and health advisories related to COVID-19 and follow best practices guidelines. All parties concerned also need to be sure they are keeping up to date with the latest information and directives.

To those who might feel stunned, perhaps even unnerved, by what business and commerce will look like for an unknown period of our future, please remember these changes are necessary to help us acclimate to the imminent “new normal.” The optimist in me prefers the word “evolve” over “change.” COVID-19 interrupted all of our lives. However, because we are a resilient people, and a resilient nation, we absolutely can and must evolve. Should COVID-19 become ever-present or become seasonal, at least until means to eradicate the virus is found, we can and will find our way forward.

To overcome, new policies such as those mentioned and what is forthcoming must be embraced and followed. Keys to ensuring a successful acclimation to the “new normal” are communication and commitment. Moving forward, I ask that all business owners in every industry keep in constant communication with their managers and employees concerning any and all new and upcoming details, measures and requirements when at work. Please also communicate any and all adjustments and alterations needed to the roles, responsibilities, and contributions involving your managers and employees.

Just as necessary to successfully adapting to a “new normal” is our commitment to adhering to the requisite evolution within our work environment. Whatever the program is your business introduces to stymie the threat of COVID-19, a resolute commitment to develop, implement and continually improve the effectiveness of the program is imperative to forging ahead.

COVID-19 has no doubt upset all of our lives. However, as we slowly ready and prepare to reclaim our way of life, programs similar to the one described will help us achieve a successful “return to a new normal.”

Date: 
Friday, April 24, 2020
Type: 
Media Coverage