What If…? Business Planning for the Unexpected

Here we are in December 2021, and it feels like déjà vu. A COVID variant is on the rise, and we are left thinking what do we do? The government has announced that we are in an Omicron Emergency and the national effort is focused on booster jabs to stave off further restrictions in the New Year.

In the meantime, how can retail, hospitality  and other businesses and organisation manage the economic uncertainty that this variant brings:

1.       Be informed -  familiarise yourself with government policy and guidance and develop a business continuity plan for different scenarios (e.g., Place C -Lockdown)

 

2.       Stay Safe – review and refresh your health and safety in accordance with government policies and practices to protect staff and customers. Implement test and trace and communicate that you are COVID secure

 

3.       Manage your team – keep them informed of business decisions and changes to business services and products. Check for changes to government policy and packages for support

 

4.       Monitor operations – how can you adapt if restrictions are imposed? Move all or some of your business online, reduce working hours, what systems do you need in place or to re-instate to operate during a lockdown?

 

5.       Communicate  - with customers and keep them informed about your business activity or closure and reassure them during this crisis.

 

6.       Get advice – you may need PR and marketing support if your business has been directly affected by a COVID-19 episode or need help developing and communicating your COVID secure plan

 

Want to know more?

Read *Plan B: How will the changes affect the economy? here

 

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