BUSINESS WISE
Strategic Transformation & Recovery in 2020 Tips to optimize your business operations and culture amid COVID-19
T
he new decade hit hard and unexpectedly with the global COVID-19 pandemic. This unprecedented event is unlike any seen in our lifetime. Our personal and professional lives have been deeply impacted. Business owners and small, midsize and large corporations are bracing themselves for the recovery phase and aftermath of COVID-19. One thing everyone is agreeing on is that business will not be conducted the same. The global economy is evolving and transforming, with some organizations better prepared than others to embrace the sudden changes in everyday life and work styles. As businesses begin reopening, business owners and leadership will need preparation to assimilate back into the workplace. This will mean considering changes in business models and interactions, both internally and externally. The world is shaken and we are experiencing a monumental shift in business. Strategic transformation is not just the wise choice. It is the only choice. Gear and ramp up Operationally, businesses will need to hit the ground running, especially as physical locations open. Municipalities and townships are slowly opening with ordinances in place for safety measures. With new and limited staff, business leaders will have to internally re-design business operations to serve customer demand. Additionally, they will have to comply with industry-specific personal protective equipment (PPE masks, gloves, etc.), hours of operation and industry-specific guidelines. We are in a time of gray. Government guidelines are not always clear or defined, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. One piece of advice I give clients is to cover all your bases. If your business location is in an office building, find out the policies and procedures within that building so your office and employees adhere to those guidelines while in communal spaces in the building.
Furthermore, you should have standard operating procedures (SOPs) for your employees that are clearly communicated so there is standardization and communicated expectancy as to what is required by everyone. This could include rotational work schedules, responsiveness and personal protective equipment. Be sure to check with external entities to ensure your business or organization is in compliance with current requirements to protect your organization, employees and the local communities at large. Protect your business from liabilities. Become resourceful with strategy Another suggestion I give clients is to hope for the best and plan for the worst. It is best to be strategic in your approach with business. Some businesses were prepared for COVID-19 as far as virtual IT capabilities, workforce communication, emergency backup and business continuity planning. But many had to jump into survival mode and lost time, money and talented people in the process. COVID-19 is a lesson to be more prepared for the unexpected. Now is a time that many have no choice but to pivot their business models and redesign how they do
business. Think strategically. I am working with clients now that are strategically planning six months out through the beginning of 2021, anticipating more changes to come (eg. flu season, COVID-19 still lingering, human resource restructuring, PPE bulk ordering, business model redesign, etc.) in order to better manage and utilize their resources in time, money and human capital. Meta Viable Solutions is also working to supply state, government, not-for-profits and businesses of all sizes with affordable, quality PPE. Manage culture shock All industries and different size organizations have experienced some sort of culture shock amid COVID-19. Many businesses are facing a rapidly changing new reality that is challenging conventional operations and cultural norms. They realize they won’t be viable in the new reality that is to come. Being a few steps ahead in recognizing changes in your industry, organization, workforce demand, product and services will be the key to future sustainability. For instance, many organizations are recognizing the uncertainty and impacts associated with a managing a workforce that is now suddenly operating remotely. Here are some considerations: meadowlandsmedia.com
September 2020
7
