COVID-19 has hit industries and businesses hard, but during tough times, smart business operators know how to adapt, ensuring their survival and even finding ways to thrive. Remote working has now become standard practice. Before COVID-19, many people weren’t allowed to work from home. However, the pandemic has pushed businesses to develop crisis management plans and rethink their logistics and supply chains.
Remote employees proved effective when COVID-19 hit, and many companies had to switch to a remote workforce for safety reasons. Successful remote employees leveraged technology and software to streamline operations, adjust schedules, and track performance metrics. This resulted in productive employees and satisfied customers.
Effective crisis management plans were put to the test during the pandemic. Many companies quickly developed incident management plans tailored to the virus. As we move into 2021 and beyond, these plans may be adjusted to help people transition back to in-person work while making necessary improvements.
At the pandemic’s onset, items like toilet paper and pasta were scarce. This spotlighted the importance of reliable supply chains. Larger companies swiftly realized the need for dependable logistics to keep their operations running smoothly. Moving forward, some might opt for supply chains closer to home to avoid future disruptions.
Another significant shift was from rigid work hours to flexible schedules. Managers learned that allowing flexible work hours led to continued productivity. Employees demonstrated that flexible schedules are beneficial and do not negatively impact the company.
The pandemic has been highly stressful for everyone. Even the most dedicated employees felt overwhelmed, dealing with work, limited grocery supplies, health concerns, and family responsibilities. Mental health days became essential, and many companies now recognize their importance.
Although no one wants a repeat of 2020, COVID-19 did bring about some positive changes in business practices. As vaccines and treatments become more widespread and people return to traditional working methods, it is hoped that these beneficial trends will persist in companies worldwide.
