Many businesses are struggling to keep up and to keep open despite the CORONAVIRUS pandemic possibly. It’s still unclear as to how far the business sector has to deal with COVID-19. Business owners are thinking of ways to protect their employees and their customers from achieving some normalcy and from being able to say “business as usual.”
But are all these efforts worth it? Are businesses willing to sacrifice their employees’ health just for the sake of profit?
CapitaLand Group senior executive director Manohar Khiatani was not kidding when he referred to COVID -19 as the “crisis of our generation.” According to the latest tally, more than 21 million cases have been recorded globally, with more than 750,000 deaths. The U.S. still leads the number of infections at 5.4 million cases and more than 170,000 deaths. People are still scrambling for tests, while scientists and experts struggle for a cure and a vaccine. Work has been suspended, travel restricted, and school canceled in most countries.
With all these things going, a noticeable new normal consumer behavior has been noticed. Because of the pandemic and stay at home orders, people are now turning to online shops, online marketplaces for their everyday needs. From clothes to groceries, medicines to electronics, consumers order online and pay using cashless methods.
Business experts say that although this is indeed a positive turn, it may not be enough to ensure a business’s growth. Owners, retailers, and sellers should have a post-pandemic plan to stay relevant. Some points should be kept in mind.
First, all marketing strategies that don’t reflect the current situation and social condition should be replaced. Companies must change their brand’s message to keep with customer’s needs. They must make sure to address COVID-19 concerns and impacts in their industry and express efforts to keep their products safe and of the best quality. They must also be reassured that they are doing their best to serve their customers despite new regulations and restrictions.
Businesses may not be able to say business as usual face to face, but they can expand their online presence by providing a better customer experience. It can be achieved by adopting a user-friendly interface, reliable online customer support, and more efficient payment options. Live chat options are also welcome as customers will feel as if they are still talking to an actual person who’s taking their orders.
In some businesses, employees are lucky enough to have a pandemic preparedness measure to reduce disruption to operations and protect employees’ safety and health. Employees are now working from home to minimize risks and prepare for the second or third wave of infections.
It’s too early to predict what life would be after the pandemic, but it’s easy to say that businesses who plan and do their best to jive with the times will likely survive.
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