In this unprecedented global crisis, the spread of COVID-19 has seen the world slowly come to a halt. The pandemic has caused a global disruption across businesses, communities, economies, and households. As we all scramble to deal with our new living conditions trying to stay safe in lockdown, companies are facing trouble trying to adapt and stay afloat, all while giving back to the community in some form. Many businesses, unfortunately, have had to suspend their operations, while others have transformed their modi operandi to be able to handle the ongoing crisis and the force majeure they are facing.
Here are some ways that companies have been responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Remote Working Solutions
During this crisis, companies have had to come up with innovative ways beyond their regular mode of operation and workflow to be able to ensure their survival. This includes different combinations of remote working solutions. Non-essential workers have all been asked to stay home and resume their work duties from the safety of their houses to avoid unnecessary exposure by going outside. While this method of remote working was previously thought to be unproductive, it has proved to be the most effective on a global scale. Depending on the country and how widespread the pandemic is, many employees are also working on a rotational shift basis, only coming into the workplace 2-3 times a week. The purpose is to minimize the number of employees physically located at the office at any given time. This also applies to essential workers, such as healthcare physicians and workers, law officers, manufacturing workers, public service employees, and many more.
Health and Safety Measures
While many companies were able to have their employees work from home, as stated above, some businesses aren’t able to shift their entire operations to that model. Essential workers, employees, and professionals who still need to come to work will have to follow a strict code of health and safety measures. This is applicable to many industries including healthcare, retail, food service, delivery service, the legal industry, and many more. As the seasoned attorneys at Coriden Glover Law Firm explain, companies want to provide a safe environment for their employees while continuing to welcome their clients and help them out with their legal issues. Many law firms are trying to balance their professional obligations and the safety of their employees and clients by only conducting important meetings at the office, applying social distancing rules, using hospital-grade sanitizing, limiting their working hours, allowing only a certain number of people to be gathered at the firm at one time, and carrying out the hygiene practices recommended by healthcare professionals while in the office.
Giving Back
Whether they are continuing their services or not, some companies have taken a different approach by coming up with different ways to serve their local community Many companies have donated critical supplies to hospitals, provided funds to manufacture ventilators, and delivered food and critical supplies to the health care workers and other people in need. Other companies have waived their fees and some offered relaxed repayment plans for any outstanding debt and rent. Many even suspended invoice collection for up to 6 months on different services, all in an effort to help people face the current situation.
Repurposing Services
With the current lockdown situation, many companies have repurposed the use of their infrastructure, services, and products to contribute to the global survival against the COVID-19 pandemic. Manufacturers have repurposed their production lines to manufacture protective personal equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves, and gowns to counter the shortage of supplies. Other companies such as ride-hailing companies are now offering delivery services to supply those who are unable to go outside with their needed food, medicine, and other supplies. Moreover, other companies have started offering their services free of charge to those who need it, whether in person or online. This includes online services such as business and legal consultation, courses, workshops, therapy sessions, and even virtual museums and zoo tours. Different companies in different fields have made all this available to the public as part of their contribution to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
As companies struggle to bypass this economic standstill and help their customers, employees, and workers get through this global crisis, the theme that is most prevalent is the initiative to give back across all businesses, small or large. Companies have responded differently to the pandemic based on the demographic they service and what they can offer. However, it is clear that they all have shifted their focus to a more unified approach to ensure their survival and the betterment of their community.