Episode C.019 "We Embrace Your Safety"

Author's Notes
We are introducing a new format to our Show Notes and Broadcasts. We received feedback our podcasts are too long (average 26 minutes). The shows have been restructured into 13 minute segments - each with a specific objective. Segment 1: What the show will cover and why it is important. Segment 2: What do you need to know to take action. Segment 3: How do you apply it and the tools available, and Segment 4: Tips and Insights from our experience. Thanx for the Feedback and keep it coming.

What are Today's Topics & Why is it Important?​
This one of those times when what you think or believe about a topic that is critical in the minds of others is critical. The opportunity to open in the near future, in June, will have some remaining hoops to jump. These will come from government edicts and most importantly from employees and customers.

I must deal with their fears and concerns to reestablish a relationship and generating revenue. The key: what will it take to get my employees back and customers engaged?

Knowledge to Take Action
Latest Research on employee and customer expectations reopening from the pandemic:

• 69% of the respondents trust their employer to make the best decision on when they should return to work.
• 74% want their work facility to be thoroughly and regularly cleaned and disinfected.
• 63% want assurance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that it’s OK to return.
• 62% want employers to set strict policies on who can come into the workplace (e.g., barring anyone who is sick or has recently traveled).
• 57% want face masks to be made available.
• More than 60% want the options to maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet at work and wear a mask.

What You Need to Do

1. Create a new or upgrade the old policy on workplace safety for both employees and customers.
2. Allow any employees that want to work remotely, when possible, to stay at home for a specified period. This cannot be indefinite and know that if in a week or two nothing negative has occurred, you can then make physical attendance required.
3. Hire a cleaning service or redirect the one you have to thoroughly sanitize everything possible and increase their clean dates for the next month.
4. If your business is bricks and mortar, walk the property from the customers perspective looking for any evidence that you are not taking their fears into consideration. If you have the space, create 2 lines, one with the 6 feet spacing rules, the other for regular customers.
5. Make sure you have PPE (personal Protection Equipment) available for the people who want it as they enter your space or just outside: face masks and hand sanitizer.
6. Capture your improvements with photos and even short videos for the website.
7. Create a communication campaign on the issue of customer and employee safety - attack their fears.
8. Publish on your blog the philosophy for reopening and everything done to date. Also start addressing how you have prepared for a second round of the pandemic if it occurs. All of this leads to 1 thing - providing customers "peace of mind".