How to Safely Reopen Your Business During COVID-19 Pandemic

As we start to see the lockdown restrictions easing up in many states across the United States, businesses are beginning the process of reopening. Since the COVID-19 pandemic is something that many businesses have never faced (at least in this century), there is a wide range of factors to consider when you reopen your business. 

This is an extremely sensitive time for everyone. It’s great to see businesses start to reopen; however, we must note that it’s going to come with a great deal of responsibility. Doing so safely and in a professional manner will give you, your employees, and your customers a healthy environment to work and shop in. 

If you’ve recently decided to reopen your business during the COVID-19 pandemic, I have several pieces of advice to ensure you’re putting health and safety above all else during these difficult times. Let’s take a look!

Create a Set of Employee/Customer Guidelines

Before you can reopen your business successfully, you need to make sure your customers and employees are aware of all the new guidelines they need to follow. Ensuring you keep six-feet of distance between yourself and others, wearing face masks, and enforcing a “no-sharing policy” are some of the most prominent rules that need to be followed. 

Yes, that means encouraging no sharing for dry-erase markers, files, pens, phones, and much more throughout the office. 

Ensure Your Store Is Practicing Social Distancing

Social distancing goes far beyond keeping six feet of distance. In fact, there are some things you’ll need to move around in your store or office to make this easier for everyone to do. For starters, you should limit the number of people in the breakroom at one time, as well as the number of customers in your business.

Moving your floor plan around may help ease the social distancing and getting rid of areas that are known to be a common gathering place can limit traffic. 

Enforce Strict Cleanliness Procedures

It has become increasingly clear that cleanliness is going to have the spotlight no matter where you go. Not only will your small business need to maintain proper cleaning throughout the day, but they’ll need to set up proper cleaning stations for customers — such as hand sanitizing stations. 

You should also make sure your employees are wiping down equipment and appliances before allowing someone else to use them — such as phones. 

Receive the Help Your Small Business Needs

These difficult times are resulting in extreme measures to be taken. Every small business owner will need to ensure their financials are in order before deciding to reopen their business. Not having the proper cash flow to keep up the rising demands could put your small business in jeopardy. 

If you’re feeling a little nervous about reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic, having professional help by your side can keep you on the right track to success. 

With over 25 years of experience as a certified public accountant, I can help you remain confident throughout all the confusion. Contact me today to receive a free consultation and learn more about what I can do for you!

References

Fallon, Nicole. “How Business Owners Are Reopening After COVID-19.” Https://Www.uschamber.com/Co, 4 May 2020, www.uschamber.com/co/run/finance/how-business-owners-are-reopening-after-covid-19.