Conducting Business in the Midst of the COVID-19 Outbreak
While our country is taking dramatic precautions to prevent its spread, it is important not to get caught up in the hype and panic. Instead, we should concentrate on the facts, and offer a safe, professional and communicative environment for our employees, clients and customers.
Here at Gerber, we’re taking it a day at a time. We are open for business and expect to remain so while taking necessary precautions to support the well-being of our clients, team members and others. We are committed to delivering our services and support to clients without interruption and are actively offering virtual options for currently scheduled meetings.
What we can all do to help reduce the spread of the virus in the workplace:
- Wash hands thoroughly and often. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid people who are sick and stay home from work if you are not feeling well
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
- Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are frequently touched
- Replace handshakes with an acknowledging smile
- Prop doors open where possible to lessen opportunities for contact
- Be prepared to consider an option for team members to work remotely
- Offer virtual meetings via web and/or phone where possible
- For in person meetings, meet in well-ventilated areas and open windows to allow for air flow where possible
- Implement physical distancing of at least 6 feet
- Require anyone who has travelled via airplane/airport or who has been in gatherings of over 100 people to stay out of the office for two weeks afterwards
- Use contactless payment
- Offer free delivery on products
Some additional business practices as outlined in a McKinsey & Company report on the possible impacts of COVID-19 released March 9th:
Set up a cross-functional response team
The team should step out of their day-to-day roles to dedicate their time to virus response.
Test for stress, ensure liquidity and build a contingency plan.
Define scenarios, and identify variables and trigger based moves.
Stabilize the supply chain
Define the extent and timing of exposure, and identify immediate and medium/longer-term stabilization plans.
Stay close to customers
Invest in your core customer segments and anticipate their behaviors.
Practice the plan
Companies can use tabletop simulations to define and verify their activation protocols for different phases of response.
Demonstrate purpose
Figure out how to support response efforts, such as by providing money, equipment or expertise.
Here is a link to McKinsey’s report if you’d like to read it in its entirety.
To stay up to date with the most factual and accurate information about COVID-19, or if you have additional questions, please visit the World Health Organization or the Center for Disease Control’s websites.
Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact our office at gerberteam@gerberclarity.com or 614-431-4343.
Stay healthy everyone!