As we roll into the sixth month of global pandemic measures, businesses of all sizes are learning to make some of their emergency adaptations more permanent. Events and conferences have gone virtual, meetings are now video calls, and many workers are seeing their day to day tasks shift in response.
Some of the most successful companies around the world have not only addressed these new challenges, but embraced them and found creative ways to take advantage of the unique circumstances we are in. This can be true for their customers, as well as their employees. It may seem tougher than ever, but now is one of the most important times to put effort into motivating and bolstering your team or inspiring your customers.
Here are some solutions that prove the new normal is facilitating creative innovation that may stick around long after the pandemic resolves.
For Customers
Specialty Senior Services
Many businesses, particularly grocery stores, have implemented designated hours for seniors to shop in order to allow them a safer shopping environment with lower contamination risk. As the baby boomer generation continues to age, this attention to senior customers could be a key tactic moving forward. Consider adapting your products or services to better accommodate your older customers who may be struggling with the technological solutions many companies have used to address COVID concerns.
Expanded Products/Services
With on-site dining restrictions in place and winter fast approaching, many restaurants are trying to figure out how to stay afloat. One great solution takes advantage of the booming meal kit delivery business and offers locally cooked and delivered meals on subscription or via a set menu. Other restaurants have fashioned into stores, offering curated provisions that help customers avoid the grocery store and bring new flavor. Creative pivoting like this is vital in industries that rely so heavily on socialization.
Digitized “X” Factor
So much of the magic of small businesses lies in the personality of its owners and employees. If your customers are no longer able or are now less willing to join you personally, it can be difficult to move your products online without that personal touch. In order to provide your customers with the attention they might be missing, consider FaceTime shopping to let them browse your selection from home (great for kids and toy stores!) or a personal shopper form and supplemental videos to walk them through how you would typically offer shopping assistance.
For Employees
Appreciation Mailings
Some companies have supplied their staff with “Corona Survival” kits that contain masks, hand sanitizer, etc. That’s definitely helpful and practical, but now that we’ve settled into our pandemic routines, consider items that make an emotional impact, so long as you’ve taken care of necessary protective measures first. Some examples include sending local coffee roasts to your remote employees’ homes, activity kits for employees’ children or game night kits for the family, or physical fitness products like a yoga mat, exercise bands, or a jump rope.
Paid Volunteer Program
It may seem counterintuitive, but a good way to ensure your employees’ mental health during this time is to encourage them to help others. Science has proven that during times of extreme stress, giving support to others improves our resiliency(1). However, with many people struggling to find time to brush their teeth, let alone safely volunteer, it can be towards the bottom of the list for your team. Help them make it a priority by carving out time that was normally allocated for work. They will feel purposeful and rejuvenated, giving you a more focused and dedicated employee.
Flexible PTO
So many of us are struggling to manage our schedules and having to make compromises that leave us feeling unsuccessful no matter how much work we put in at home or jobs. Parents are especially crunched for time right now. Alleviate some of that stress by offering your employees Covid Health Days or additional PTO hours. These could be used for mental health or by parents to assist school work.
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The Science of Helping Out. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/09/well/mind/coronavirus-resilience-psychology-anxiety-stress-volunteering.html